SURVEY OF SWIFTS BY THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS

That this House congratulates the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds on its survey of swifts, but is alarmed at the findings which show that swift numbers have fallen by 47 per cent. since 1994; is concerned that numbers of other migrant birds such as turtle doves, nightingales and wood warblers are also declining dramatically; notes that the survey of nesting sites at more than 3,400 locations concluded that swifts prefer to nest under the eaves of older housing stock; and calls on the Government to encourage developers, local council planning departments, builders, owners of older houses and churches to ensure that traditional nesting sites for swifts are not lost during renovations, and that efforts are made to provide new nesting sites for swifts.