Nest boxes installed at Malthouse to help halt decline of the Swift

* A cherry-picker is used to carefully position the nest boxes on the end of the Malthouse building.

Four new Swift nest boxes have been installed at the Malthouse in Llangollen, along with a device to help attract new airborne residents.   

The boxes, which were carefully put in place on the historic building with the aid of a cherry-picker this week, have been paid for by local businesses and supporters, including donors from outside the immediate area.

The set-up also includes a Swift "caller" system to send out a welcome signal to attract prospecting birds to the site. 

Ecologist Max Ellison, who is based at the Malthouse, said: "Swifts have undergone a severe national decline, with the British Trust for Ornithology reporting long‑term losses linked to poor summer weather, reduced insect availability, and - most critically - the loss of traditional nesting sites as older buildings are renovated or sealed.

"By providing secure, purpose‑built nest spaces in the heart of Llangollen, this project aims to support the return of breeding Swifts for generations to come.  

"With luck, these boxes will become a familiar summer feature — filled with the sound of screaming parties overhead and the knowledge that the community has helped safeguard one of our most iconic birds."

He added: "With thanks to all those who donated, the Chirk Swifts and House Martins Group for their unceasing support, to the Malthouse Business Centre for agreeing to the installation, and to the MEWP installers."

* Anyone interested in finding our more can contact maxellson@marchesecology.co.uk.  The Chirk Swifts and House Martins Group can be found at https://www.chirkswiftsandhousemartins.com/