Gosforth Swift Group

Gosforth Swift Group We are a group of residents working to reverse the decline in our local swift population by increasing nesting sites and raising conservation awareness.

Swifts are now on the Red list of conservation concern, having suffered a 62% decline between 1995 and 2021. Swifts are declining due to food shortages (the UK's flying insect population has reduced by 60% in 20 years), and habitat loss. They nest under building eaves and in wall crevices, but repairs and renovation work often destroy these sites. Swifts return to the same nest yearly, making each

site loss significant. Furthermore, being colonial breeders, once a colony is lost it is difficult to establish again. With support from Northumberland Wildlife Trust, we began surveying swift activity in 2023, mapping colonies and submitting data to Swift-Mapper. We found 5 colonies in the Gosforth/Kenton area, one of which is down to 1 pair. In the summer of 2024, we distributed leaflets to residents living in 4 of the colonies to raise awareness and offer free boxes to have on their houses. We installed 34 swift boxes within these 4 colonies to provide new nesting opportunities. The Newcastle Members Branch of the RSPB kindly donated eight boxes, and some residents, including myself, funded more. Our vision is to grow this initiative across Newcastle, finding other colonies and providing boxes to people living in these areas. We aim to foster community connections and conservation pride. The survey work helps people engage with nature, learn about wildlife, and contribute to positive environmental change.

NHSN Event of interest:
21/07/2026

NHSN Event of interest:

Join us for a walk around Kenton recording Swifts.

SWIFT WALKThursday 9 July 9:00pm in Hazlerigg.Free to attend, this event is run by the Natural History Society of Northu...
06/07/2026

SWIFT WALK
Thursday 9 July 9:00pm in Hazlerigg.
Free to attend, this event is run by the Natural History Society of Northumbria and is for anyone to join, not just NHSN members.
Information and booking can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ouse-burn-way-swift-spotting-at-hazlerigg-tickets-1992758719975
NHSN is a community for those who study nature and enjoy wildlife in Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear. See nhsn.org.uk for info.

Join us for a walk around Hazlerigg recording Swifts.

Please sign this vital petition:
04/07/2026

Please sign this vital petition:

A 15-year study by the RSPB confirms that most swifts attempt to return to the same nesting site each Spring, with 94% of surveyed birds using the same nesting site as the previous year. This shows just how important it is to protect existing nest sites. More information on the study can be found .....

Wow! The swift calls have paid off. We have tennants on The Terraces.Just after this pic was taken, TWO swifts exited th...
01/07/2026

Wow!
The swift calls have paid off. We have tennants on The Terraces.
Just after this pic was taken, TWO swifts exited the nest box!

SWIFT WALKThursday 2nd July 9:00pm at Gosforth “Green Doors” estate.Organised by Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the walk...
27/06/2026

SWIFT WALK
Thursday 2nd July 9:00pm at Gosforth “Green Doors” estate.
Organised by Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the walk will be led by Caroline McLelland, founder of Gosforth Swift Group.
Caroline does an enormous amount for Swifts around Gosforth. On this walk you’ll get to share her passion for these marvellous birds.
The walk is free but please book your place via this Eventbrite link.

Join us for an evening walk, watching and learning about Gosforth's Swifts that return every year.

SWIFT WALKA second Swift Walk on Tuesday 30th June 9:00pm at Kenton Crescent, NE3 (just off Kenton Road). Organised by N...
27/06/2026

SWIFT WALK
A second Swift Walk on Tuesday 30th June 9:00pm at Kenton Crescent, NE3 (just off Kenton Road).
Organised by Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the walk will be led by Adam Raitr, local swift expert.
The walk is free but please book your place via this Eventbrite link.

Join us for an evening walk, watching and learning about Gosforth's Swifts that return every year.

SWIFT WALKTuesday 30th June, a Swift Walk in Hazlerigg. Starts at 08:30pm for 2 hours. Kindly run by Rachel and Louise. ...
27/06/2026

SWIFT WALK
Tuesday 30th June, a Swift Walk in Hazlerigg. Starts at 08:30pm for 2 hours.
Kindly run by Rachel and Louise.
The walk begins at Hazlerigg Community Centre, Coach Lane, Hazlerigg, NE13 7AS.

Swift Awareness Week 2026 runs from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 5 July 2026. Gosforth Swift Group are organising and supp...
27/06/2026

Swift Awareness Week 2026 runs from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 5 July 2026.
Gosforth Swift Group are organising and supporting “Swift walks” in the area next week. It’s a great chance to watch these magnificent birds up close. You’ll head out in the evening, as the Swifts gather and come down to roost.
It’s an exhilarating experience!
Details to follow.

06/06/2026

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Gosforth

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