Swifts in Sussex: A Community Success Story in Time for Swift Awareness Week – 29th June to 6th July
As summer approaches, so too does one of the most exciting events in the birdwatching calendar — Swift Awareness Week, running this year from 29th June to 6th July. Across the UK, communities are celebrating these remarkable aerial acrobats, and here in Sussex, we have plenty to be proud of.
The Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS) has long supported efforts to protect and encourage Swifts, having contributed an impressive £12,000 to local projects over the years. These funds have gone toward everything from installing nesting boxes to public engagement and awareness campaigns.
One particularly heartening success story comes from Clymping, where a community-led initiative has brought Swifts a much-needed helping hand. A total of 28 Swift nest boxes have been installed around the village, thanks to a collaborative effort between local residents, Clymping Parish Council, and a generous grant from SOS.
As one local resident shared:
“I just wanted to keep you informed that I have a pair of breeding Swifts in my Swift box. I have a camera in it, which Paul Stevens installed earlier this year. My first Swift arrived on 3rd May, and the pair were reunited on the 12th May — though they may have met sooner, as I was away for a few days. They’ve laid two eggs. They were always together in the box, but now seem to be taking turns incubating the eggs…”
Stories like this show the real impact of conservation at the local level — not just in terms of habitat protection, but also the joy and connection it brings to those involved.
In Clymping, residents funded 50% of the project costs, with additional support from the parish council and SOS. It’s a brilliant example of community spirit meeting conservation success.
As Swift Awareness Week approaches, take a moment to look up at the skies — and if you’re lucky, you might just spot one of these incredible birds, darting and swooping through the Sussex summer air.
Interested in helping Swifts in your area? Visit https://www.sos.org.uk/archives/category/swifts to learn more about how you can get involved.
We will continue to update SOS members on how our funds are being used to help birds and nature in and around Sussex.
(Adam Huttly)
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