Local action needed to save endangered bird population
Motion passed by Green councillors while Labour vote against new nest sites
Norwich and Mile Cross are lucky enough to be a hot spot for the summer visiting swifts. On the Amber endangered list, there has been a 53% decline between 1995 and 2016. Their food supply is falling and there is a lack of nest sites as buildings are updated and new builds exclude them.
In June, NR3 Green councillor Gary Champion proposed a motion with practical things the council can do to help boost the swift population. While it gained support from across the council, all Labour councillors voted to reject proposals to include nest sites into new builds, the main way in which we can help these birds.
These beautiful birds can be supported by wildlife friendly gardens and green spaces which increase their food supply. Some areas have been left to grow for wildlife during ‘No Mow May’ but these are swiftly removed in June meaning the benefit is limited. We will continue to push for nature friendly gardens in council-owned spaces and wildflower planting to support our threatened wildlife.