A SERIES of free activities taking place in Worcester this month to raise awareness of a bird species at risk and show the public what they can do to help.
Talks and walks have been organised by the Worcester Swift Recovery Group as part of its summer activities to promote the conservation of swifts in the city.
Chaired by Dr Kate Ashbrook, senior lecturer in biological sciences at the University of Worcester, it includes representatives from the University, Worcestershire County and Worcester City Council, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the Environment Agency, RSPB Worcester and Malvern Local Group, Worcester Environmental Group and Worcester Cathedral Eco Group.
Dr Ashbrook said: “Swifts are masters of the sky that spend almost their entire lives in flight. They are among the fastest birds in level flight and can remain airborne for months at a time, eating, sleeping and even mating in the air.
“Through these events, we aim to raise awareness of the swift’s plight and inspire practical action.
“For example, here at the University we have a number of swift boxes on our campuses and earlier this year installed a further 12 on one of our City halls of residence.
“As part of our long-standing efforts to support biodiversity, we’ve also maintained and developed a range of natural areas to support insect populations that swifts and other wildlife depend on.”
Activities include a talk at The Hive today (July 4) at 6.30pm until 7.30pm, given by Dr Ashbrook on the topic ‘Swifts are in trouble – what can we do to help?’.
Following that, there are some walks in areas where swifts are currently breeding.
This is so that people can observe the birds flying, find active nest sites and learn how to assess the best places to fit nest boxes.
The first is at Fort Royal Park Walk on Wednesday, July 9, led by the RSPB, with support from Fort Royal Environmental Rangers and Worcester Environmental Group. Attendees should meet at the yard at the park at 7pm.
A walk in the Happy Land area of St John’s led by the RSPB takes place on Friday, July 18, meeting at 6.30pm outside the Brewer’s Arms pub on Comer Road.
Visit thehiveworcester.org/whats-on.html for more information.
