Recent developments

A meeting was held on 22nd Feb with the RSPB and CHA to discuss the new swift tower for the Cardiff Bay barrage. Things are progressing well. The tower has been ordered, interpretation boards are in preparation and the volunteer packs are almost complete.

We erected the boxes (rather Howard erected the boxes, whilst we spectated) in Trinity tower in Penarth. Four boxes have been installed. Sadly we couldn't fit the call system at this time as the base unit was faulty. We hope to install this later in the spring.

Another potential site

I visited St John's church in Llanblethian to investigate the possibility of siting some nest boxes in the tower. It's a lovely church with plenty of history. Our contact will be discussing this with the Church council in early February.

HLF bid successful

Great news. We've been successful in obtaining an HLF grant towards the purchase of a swift tower on Cardiff Barrage. It's been a long haul but we're all systems go. An artist's impression of the 90 box structure is below.

Howard has worked his magic again

Howard Driver has constructed the boxes for Trinity Church, Penarth. We hope to get them installed in the near future. A call system has been purchased. We'll need to measure up for cabling etc.

Swift project talk

I gave a talk to various wildlife groups in Cardiff University yesterday evening. It was well attended and it generated quite a lot of interest. Several "new" volunteers stepped forward and new contacts were made. On the back of it, I was approached to give a talk to another group next June. Many thanks to all those that came along and supported the event.

Also Howard has been in touch. He's constructed the boxes for Trinity in Penarth. We hope to put them up in the New Year

Recent developments

Julia, Howard and I visited Trinity in Penarth today. Looking good. Pictures below.

Also the bid to HLF for a grant towards a tower in Cardiff has been submitted. HLF should respond within a couple of months.

Good news from Trinity Church

The Swifts will be leaving our shores soon. There were large numbers over the River Ely yesterday. Christine from Trinity Church in Penarth has been in touch. They are keen to put some Swift boxes up in their tower. A site visit is planned in the autumn.