Swifts Nest at Cambridge College Amidst Decline

Swifts have successfully nested in boxes installed at Darwin College, University of Cambridge, marking a significant development in conservation efforts. This initiative aims to address the dramatic decline in swift populations, which have fallen by 70% in the UK between 1995 and 2024. These birds are now classified as endangered and are on the Red List.

University efforts, spearheaded by figures like Mike Rands, involve placing nest boxes on buildings to counteract the loss of natural nesting sites. Boxes were first installed at Darwin College three years ago, and their success this year is particularly encouraging, especially after using recorded calls to attract the birds. Similar successful projects include nest boxes at the David Attenborough Building, which has housed nesting swifts since 2021 and now features a live camera feed.