Mapping Swifts in South Manchester is vitally important to help us understand the local population numbers and distribution. The most simple tool to map your Swift nest boxes is the RSPBs Swift Mapper app.

In this blog post SMS Secretary, Andy Barley, shares some tips and on how you can use this free app to help map swifts:

A lot of new homes went up in 2024 for our swifts. With your help and the work of SMS volunteers there are about 100 new nestboxes up in and around Manchester. Now we need your help to record your nest boxes on the conservation map.

Developed by the RSPB and partners like Natural Aptitude, SwiftMapper records four things:

1. Occupied Nest: where swifts are observed using a nest site cavity.
2. Previously Occupied: where swifts were known to nest previously, but no longer do so.
3. Nest Box: nesting sites deliberately provided for swifts – nest boxes, nest bricks, etc. Whether occupied yet or not.
4. Screaming Party: records of swifts flying at around roof height, often flying fast in groups, and often giving loud screaming calls. This behaviour indicates that swifts are breeding nearby.

So how do you go about putting your nest boxes on the map?

Let me guide you through the process which should take just a few minutes. I will guide you through by using the website (there is a SwiftMapper App) but it is easier using the website with a mouse:

1. Go to www.swiftmapper.org.uk (opens in new tab)

In the top left corner find the three lines in the circle and click it.

2. Now you will see a Login Box bottom left. Click ‘Sign up’ and create an account.

3. Once you have logged in you will see the Map. You can enter your postcode and then use your mouse to find the exact spot on the map.

4. Then add the information in the various boxes on the right hand side and click next. You can add a photo if you want to (just remember this will be public).

In the comments box you can add ‘Model 30 box’ or whatever you have. The Model 30’s are the ones with the white plastic roof we have made.

5. Click ‘Submit’. And that’s it! You’ve added a record to the map.

Having this map and knowing how to map your Swift nest boxes is really important because it helps everyone involved in helping the swifts, enthusiasts, swift groups, planners, ecologists, architects etc.

Knowledge is power and this is a vital way to empower the swifts who obviously can’t speak for themselves.

Find out about more ways you can help swifts here.

And you can download a PDF version of this guide via Wakelet here (opens in new tab).