It’s funny how things work out sometimes…One of our working group members, Will, spread the word of our work to the Riverford Planet Fund. Anna from Riverford popped over to see me installing in Yealmpton, St. Bart’s church in February, this year where we discussed funding potential. After a short while, the funding was provided and we decided upon a community project for Buckfastleigh and Ashburton. Both locations on the edge of Dartmoor, have swift populations which have decreased over the years, in line with national averages.
After a presentation in mid July at the Mic Community Centre, we amassed a list of enthusiastic residents. Skip a few months and we had installed 36 nest chambers with a selection of callers throughout Buckfastleigh and a further 28 nest chambers in Ashburton’s St. Lawrence’s Chapel. Huge thanks to Riverford Planet Fund, Devon Birds, Anna David, Kathryn and Joe at Dartmoor Estate Tea for hosting the workshop, Buckfastleigh Primary School, and the beautiful people of Buckfastleigh and Ashburton who were amazingly supportive throughout the project.
Diana’s first time on a drill….an expert within seconds!
The workshop session at Dartmoor Estate Tea where we completed 36 nestboxes.
Nestcups and feathers in all chambers.
With the support of Wayne and Stacey Ashcroft at the primary school in Buckfastleigh, I made 10 nestboxes and dropped them off at the school for the pupils to decorate. Love the designs!!
Six nest chambers installed above the school playground with a swift caller installed to attract prospecting swifts in 2026.
A selection of the installed nestboxes in the town…….
Thanks again to all who supported and offered up their time and homes for swift conservation in Buckfastleigh.