Essex Swift Recovery

The swifts are returning - and so is our chance to help them thrive.

This fantastic county-wide initiative is dedicated to protecting one of the most iconic sounds of our summer skies. With their dazzling flight and joyful calls swifts bring life and movement to our towns and villages but they urgently need our support.

There are so many ways to get involved whether you have five minutes or a whole afternoon:

Donate or collect materials for building swift nest boxes
Help map existing swift hotspots across Essex
Scout out new, suitable nesting locations in your neighboorhood
Join local workshops, talks and community build days
Spread the word and inspire others to take part

Every small action helps create safer nesting spaces and a stronger future for these extraordinary birds.

Essex Swift Project Update - June 2026

HMCAP Essex Swift Recovery Project is working with groups across Essex to support our dangerously declining Swift population. They are on the 'Red List' overwhelmingly due to loss of nesting sites. We hope to reverse this trend as is being achieved in Suffolk (Save Our Swifts Suffolk ).

When fledging swifts leave their nests they freefall learning how to fly in the split-second before they hit the ground. They have long wings and virtually no legs. If they hit the ground they cannot 'take-off' again and die. Swifts therefore look for nesting sites over 5 metres above ground level. They are also sociable birds which like to nest near others. Church towers are therefore excellent places and we have installed swift chambers (housing 12 nests) in 5 Essex church towers, with another 3 approved. Working with Maldon Town Council we are about to put 12 more in the Maeldune Centre's tower.

Links with Mid Essex NHS Foundation Trust have enabled us to put up 9 swift boxes on St Peter's Hospital in Maldon.

Taking part in the RSPB's survey on their SwiftMapper App we have hosted events in Maldon, Chelmsford and Colchester.

We are pleased to support an increasing number of people who have asked to install swift boxes on their homes.

There are numerous ways you can support our project. If you want to find out more contact John Le Sève on johnleseve@hotmail.co.uk or 07504 714134

Get Involved!

Contact HMCAP via Facebook Messanger or email hmcap2023@gmail.com

Or call John 07504714134 or email johnleseve@hotmail.co.uk