Sponsor A Sherborne Abbey Swift Box
Or make a simple donation
We are offering the public a wonderful opportunity
You can play a direct part in our swift regeneration project here in Sherborne Abbey.
We are offering sponsorship of each swift box placed into the bell chamber, with proceeds from this sponsorship being invested back into either additional boxes, and/or further connected wildlife projects of a connected nature in the future.
Funds will be held by the abbey, and full details of the use of these funds will be available to all. This is a non-profit exercise aimed at improving the status of these beautiful, but currently red-listed birds.
Each box is priced at £250 for a period of three years
This cost will cover the box and accompanying assembly materials, and also the inclusion of cameras in each one, with the ability to view the interior of each box live from the floor of the abbey itself, and any recorded footage online.
Quite an exciting prospect!
Swift take-up of new nesting sites is rarely immediate
This is why we offer a three year period with the hope that these will all be used by nesting pairs eventually. As with any wildlife project, there is no absolute guarantee of success, but we are doing our very best to ensure that these new nesting environments are as inviting as possible.
This installation also includes a swift call audio player, which can greatly increase the chance of new boxes being taken up.
Click below to download & print a PDF sponsorship (& donation) form
(or pick one up from Sherborne Abbey)
Swift Information
From various sources (PDF files)
John Stimpson’s Swift Boxes
As featured on BBC Springwatch
John Stimpson’s wonderful swift boxes have featured on BBC’s Springwatch, and been distributed to many thousands of homes across the UK. He has made well over 40,000 of them to date! There is also a great Guardian article.
Castle Gardens (New Road, Sherborne, DT9 5NR) are stocking these, so place your order, and let’s start helping swifts to recover and thrive in Sherborne and the surrounding areas!
PLEASE NOTE: If they are out of stock it may take a week or two to resupply, as John makes them by hand (quite fast, we might add!).
Tel: (01935) 814633
Email: castle@thegardensgroup.co.uk
Other links to UK suppliers of boxes, swift call audio CDs, books, other products and more information are listed below:
Other swift box suppliers
Swift Caller Systems
Designed & built by Graham Fell
(Two different systems)
Swift Micro Caller
Over 700 sold to date
- Full instructions included
- 6 swift calls stored on a microSD card
- Speaker, speaker mount and 5m of cable (longer available)
PLEASE NOTE: Timer & USB plug top not supplied, but easily obtainable
£21 direct or £24 post paid
Includes contribution to Kendal Swifts and AgeUK South Lakeland
Solar Swift Micro Caller
Everything for an installation – Ready to test in 2 mins
- 10W solar panel with mounting brackets
- 7Ah battery, timer for both day and time settings
- Solar controller showing battery voltage
- Waterproof speaker with 5m of cable (longer available)
- 6 swift calls stored on a microSD card
- Full instructions
- Battery ON/OFF switch for out of season
- Tried and tested by Swift Groups
- Special requirements catered for
£95 delivered
Includes contribution to Kendal Swifts and AgeUK South Lakeland
Payments
Made by Graham Fell of Kendal Men In Sheds
- Payment by PayPal to:
gfell01@hotmail.com - Or by BACS
(email the above address for details)
Further Reading
Books, blogs, and more good advice
There is a lot of well-researched good knowledge and experience out there. We have included some of our personal favourites below:
Links to the good stuff online:
- Feather Speech Campaign
- Hampshire Swifts
- Action for Swifts
- Installing Swift Boxes within Church Belfries
- How to Build a Swift Box
- Facts About Swifts
- 27 curious facts about the swift
Swift-related books:
Adult
Children
