RJ Hamster
Progress for Swifts at Chapel Milton Following Public Pressure
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Progress for Swifts at Chapel Milton Following Public Pressure
APR 17READ IN APP
There has been an important and encouraging development in the campaign to protect swift nesting sites at Chapel Milton viaduct in Derbyshire.
More than 12,800 people signed Protect the Wild’s petition calling on Network Rail to take action after known swift nesting holes were filled during refurbishment works earlier this year. That public response, alongside the tireless efforts of local campaigners on the ground, has clearly helped shift the situation.
A Positive Step Forward
In its initial response, Network Rail defended its actions and focused on installing swift boxes as a future measure.
However, in an email sent to Protect the Wild the other day, Network Rail confirmed it is now taking further steps. These include:
- Seeking permission to reopen nesting holes in the areas identified by campaigners
- Planning to install conservation-approved swift boxes
- Working with local authorities and conservation organisations including the RSPB and Swift Conservation
- Moving quickly to support a decision ahead of the swifts’ return
This is a significant step forward. Reopening nesting holes was not part of the original plan and is now being actively explored.
Why This Matters
Swifts are a red-listed species in the UK and have declined dramatically in recent decades, largely due to the loss of nesting habitat. They return each year to the same nesting sites, and when those sites are blocked, breeding can fail.
Reopening these nesting holes gives returning birds the best possible chance of breeding successfully this season.
While this is a positive development, the outcome is not yet confirmed.
Permission is still required, and the timing is critical as swifts begin to return from migration. The coming weeks will determine whether access can be restored in time.
What is clear, however, is that this issue has moved forward because people took action.
Thank You
This progress is down to the local campaigners who raised the alarm, gathered evidence, and refused to let this be ignored.
It is also down to the 12,800 people who signed Protect the Wild’s petition and helped turn concern into pressure.
That collective action has helped shift the response from defence to action.
We will continue to follow this closely and push for the best possible outcome for these birds.
For now, this is a reminder that when people come together and take action, it can make a real difference.LIKECOMMENTRESTACK
