Swift box building day is success

The Seadrift centre at Dunnet turned into a hive of activity at the weekend when volunteers turned out to build swift nest boxes.

Organised by The Highland Council’s Rangers in the Planning and Development Service, the event was part of the Caithness Countryside Volunteers and Caithness Biodiversity group.

The event is part of a three year project to build a range of wildlife boxes and is one of the 24 projects being undertaken in the Highlands with assistance from the Highland Biodiversity Partnership. It is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Highland Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and RSPB Scotland.

Marina Swanson, Highland Council’s Caithness East Ranger said: “We were delighted to get a good turn out of volunteers from the Caithness Countryside Volunteers and also some new faces lending a hand on the day.  The eight boxes which were built will be sited in suitable locations around the county and will hopefully be used when the swifts return next summer.”

Anyone interested in obtaining a swift box can contact the rangers on 01955 607758 or 01847 821531. The boxes are free of charge but will only be issued to suitable locations where swifts are present and to double story buildings where the box can be tucked below the roof.

The local Biodiversity Group is working on a range of other exciting projects and the Caithness Countryside Volunteers are always looking to recruit additional members. To find out more about either of these groups, please contact Marina Swanson on 01955 607758 or e-mail marina.swanson@highland.gov.uk