Great Shelford Swift Belfry

This is another triumph for Rob Mungovan, ecology officer with South Cambridgeshire District Council. 

He has this to say: "Here is the recently restored school building in Great Shelford.  There were swifts nesting under part of the end wall. That aspect of the building could not be entirely retained but Hill Residential were happy to adapt the bell tower to provide for swifts and bats (as well as putting up other swift boxes).

The historic building people are happy with the look and the fact that we now have a restored landmark building, and I'm happy that we've provided for swifts and bats. This is a great outcome. We'll have to wait for next summer to see if it works."

There is a total of 20 nest-boxes for Swifts in the belfry, 12 in the lower level and 8 in the upper level.

A closer view showing some of the Swift entrances.






















Here are the Swift boxes at the top and bottom of the bell tower.

This is the partially completed bat roost.

A-frame Swift Tower

Contributed by Bob Tonks and Dick Newell

This is an idea borrowed from the Barn Owl A-frame, a very successful, well tried design for owls (Little, Tawny and Barn), Kestrel, Stock Dove, Jackdaw and even squirrels and cats.

It accommodates 6 pairs of Swifts. The whole thing can be assembled on the ground, then hoisted into position on a pole or wall. With the double roof it is well insulated from the sun, the front is easily removed for maintenance purposes.

Click for large picture

The front is an equilateral triangle with side 825mm. The depth of each nesting chamber is 425mm. The supporting strut below is as much there for aesthetic effect as it is to support the A-frame.

It is best not to orientate this box directly south, unless an extra thick front is provided. A smooth metal sleeve around the pole is also a good idea to deter rats and squirrels.



More pictures:

Idea for a Swift Tower

Contributed by Dick

This is an idea for a a swift tower which is intended to be relatively inexpensive and that hopefully can be erected by a group of competent amateurs without the use of cranes or cherry-pickers - but you are responsible for abiding by your local health and safety regulations. It is a modular design for ease of assembly. If you feel inspired to erect something like this, then please get in touch to discuss options.

Click for large picture

This is what it looks like from below. It contains 18 nesting places, 12 in the louvred cabinets and 6 in the roof. Access for maintenance to all nest-boxes can be achieved by removing any of the louvres or the gable ends. The materials are 12mm marine ply, 200mm x 25mm rough-sawn treated timber. 175mm wide feather-boarding, and 4 x 2 inch timbers. The dimensions quoted below are for guidance.


Assembly instructions: