In front of the Fletcher Moss Cafe on Sunday, June the 28th 10.30am – 4pm
Walk round to the back of the Croft at Fletcher Moss Gardens, inspect the wall near the roof and you will notice two bricks have holes in them. (See one below) Another wall also has a matching pair. These are swift bricks which are hollow inside and make perfect nesting spots for swifts; dry, safe and cosy.
South Manchester Swifts persuaded Manchester Council to install them during renovation work to the roof. We may have to wait for a year or two before the swifts actually adopt them as their home. However, we hope that, in years to come, visitors to Fletcher Moss will marvel at the sight of these acrobatic birds swooping over and around the building and will enjoy the sound of swift ‘screaming parties’ careering across the park and flying low over the river to feed.
The provision for swifts is extra special because Emily Williamson, the founder of the RSPB actually lives in the Croft from 1882 t0 1912. Her campaign began in 1889 as a protest against the number of beautiful birds that were being killed in Britain and abroad so that fashionable ladies could adorn their hats. More and more people became interested in he cause and Emily’s society was so successful that it became the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds by Royal Charter.
Come along to our Fletcher Moss Swift Day
In order to celebrate our new swift bricks South Manchester Swifts and the new Manchester RSPB group, are holding a Swift Day on Sunday June 28th. We want as many people as possible to be aware of the swift bricks and, with us, avidly watch over the next few seasons to see how soon swifts will find them. There are special callers installed near the swift bricks which attract the birds to come and investigate. They’ll be sending out swift noises morning and evening.
On June 28th there’ll be displays and masses of information about these amazing birds plus activities for children including a swift themed story with puppets. There’ll also be a nature/swift walk. The Botanical Gardens are beautiful and there’s a wonderful café at the front of which our activities will take place. Our members and RSPB members will be there to point out the swift bricks and demonstrate different swift boxes and callers. Do come!
Installation of the Swift Bricks with thanks to Manchester City Council, local councillor Andrew Simcock and the contractors with a special mention for foreman Terry.
