Almost 300 people have signed our petition in 3 days. Can you add your voice to an emerging strategy to protect swifts?
The draft North of Tyne Local Nature Recovery Strategy is out for consultation until 9th January. The strategy will cover Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside and will likely influence future investment in wildlife species and habitats.
Swifts and Swift bricks are referenced in the draft strategy but no minimum number of bricks is set as a requirement for new developments or refurbishments and there is no reference to protection of existing nest sites.
Please respond to the consultation here asking for stronger wording on measures to protect swifts.
The relevant question is:
Question Q29: "If you think something is missing from the urban and urban edge priorities and measures, or something should not be included in the priorities and measures, please explain here"
In your answer, you could include the below:
Inclusion of Swift bricks should be compliant with national planning policy and secured by condition, with at least one Swift brick per dwelling on average for new developments. Existing nest sites should be protected and retained wherever possible; where not possible, mitigation measures should be implemented equivalent to any loss. All refurbishment of Council-owned property should fully consider cavity-nesting birds and provide alternative nesting sites in the event of any losses.
You could also add any local knowledge of nesting swifts and screaming parties. Thank you.