March 22 – April 16
The Swift Recovery Project now enters its most exciting phase: installing swift nest boxes across Haslemere, Shottermill and Beacon Hill. Following February’s registration window and the March assessment visits, our volunteer installation teams will be fitting boxes between 22 March and 16 April 2026, just in time for the swifts’ return from Africa in early May.
Each installation is carried out by trained volunteers who have donated their time, skills and equipment to support the project. Boxes are fitted at second‑floor height or higher, in sheltered positions with clear flight paths, the conditions swifts need to safely access their nest holes at speed. Where appropriate, streets will also receive swift callers, which play attraction calls to help passing birds locate new nest sites.
This installation period is the culmination of months of community effort. Every box fitted is a new opportunity for swifts to breed, helping to reverse decades of decline and bring their joyful summer “screaming parties” back to our skies.
Residents who registered will be contacted with their installation date. Those on the waitlist will be notified if additional capacity becomes available.
Together, we’re creating a network of safe, permanent nesting places, a legacy for Haslemere’s wildlife and future generations.