Swift and House Martin Support Group and Cheltenham Action for Nature team member Sarah (supported by Felicity) spent a couple of evenings with the Scouts recently talking about swifts and helping them put together swift callers (which attract swifts to nest boxes). Sarah talks about her experience:
“Thank you so much for hosting us at the 15th Cheltenham (Shurdington) Scout Group session on Friday 8 May, what a fantastic evening.
It was a real pleasure to talk with the Scouts about Cheltenham Action for Nature, how the group was formed, and some of the projects helping wildlife and nature locally.
The short talk on swifts sparked lots of interest, and it was encouraging to see how engaged everyone was in discussing why nature and climate matters and how small actions can make a real difference.
We asked the group 2 questions :
- What matters to you in Nature?
- How can you make a difference?
The group activities produced some brain storming with brilliant ideas and pictures from bug hotels, bird feeders, nest boxes and ponds to hedgehog-friendly gardens and other ways to support local wildlife, but importantly having an “awareness of nature itself”. The Scouts showed great enthusiasm, creativity, and environmental awareness throughout the session.
We met with the Scouts again on Friday 15 May to see their “Swift Initiative” in action. It was a real hive of activity throughout the evening.
Each Scout was given a box containing different components needed to make a swift caller. They then moved between a number of activity stations, assembling the callers step by step as they went.
The Scouts successfully completed 10 callers during the session, earning a badge for their efforts and teamwork.
These callers will now be loaned out to help attract swifts to nest boxes that have been installed by the Swift and House Martin Support Group (supported by Cheltenham Action for Nature).
Thank you again for making us so welcome and for giving us the opportunity to share these conversations with the group.”
The Swift Initiative
The Swift Initiative is a hands-on conservation project led by The Scouts through the 15th Cheltenham (Shurdington) Scouts group. The project focuses on building Swift Caller Loan Boxes and swift nest boxes, helping young people develop practical skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities while supporting local wildlife conservation.
The initiative also raises awareness about swifts, which are now on the UK Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern. By involving the wider community, the project encourages conversation about conservation and highlights the positive impact local communities can make in protecting wildlife.
Funding support for the project has been provided through the Gloucestershire High Sheriff Grant Programme and Spirax Group, helping to purchase equipment for the Swift Caller Loan Scheme and materials for the swift nest boxes.
Additional support has come from the Gloucestershire Community Foundation and local conservation organisations including Cheltenham Action for Nature (CAN), the Swift & House Martin Support Group – Charlton Kings, and Men in Sheds Cheltenham & Gloucester.
Read more about swifts and house martins on our resources page
