Swift/Housemartin Survey 2020

Wild West End

Where Wild West End found Swifts and Housemartins

Map of where WWE found swifts and info on swifts

The map above shows where WWE found Swifts. Scoll down for the detailed GIS map showing Swifts and Housemartins. To enlarge the maps press the Ctrl button and plus button on your keyboard at the same time.

The dots on the map show where swifts were seen flying low, either feeding on insects or screaming. (They scream if they are near a swift nest.) Some of the dots show where swifts were seen going into their nests which are under tiles or in holes in brickwork.

We found swifts in Fenham and the Arthur’s Hill terraces. But we didn’t find them anywhere else. This information was gathered over 3 summers by Wild West End volunteers and residents.

The GIS map below was kindly produced by Anne at the Environmental Records Information Centre North East.

Wild West End was made possible with funding by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Posted by Ruth Hayward, Wild West End Project Officer, Nov 2021

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Swift and Housemartin Surveying 2020

Hi Wild West Enders,

The swifts are back and it’s time to get surveying!

Keith Bowey has put together an online training video for us! The half hour video explains all about swifts and housemartins, how to find their nests, and how to survey them. (The video will be helpful for anyone interested in Swifts and Housemartins, not just those who are part of the Wild West End project.)

link to video — click picture above for video link or scroll down for inpage video

Keith and myself have devised 4 survey routes (transects) across Wingrove and Fenham, using the sightings from the walks in 2019 and the sightings you all sent in last year to help decide the routes. We have devised survey routes in the parts of the west end where swifts have been spotted.

Each route needs to be walked once a month; mid May, mid June, mid July.

We also need people to collect ‘incidental’ records, which are any sightings of housemartin and swift activity that you see when you are out (not part of the once a month transect walk).

Four lovely people have volunteered to take ownership of the routes/transects near their homes during lockdown, but other people can also walk the routes, having more records is always good!

When out surveying please make sure you give other people on the pavements at least 2 metre distance and only survey with members of your own household.

Whether or not you want to record your sightings do watch the video as it is really interesting. Keith has kindly offered to lend a few pairs of binoculars and compasses to the project. So if you are already involved in the project and would like to borrow them please let me know.

The project will send out survey packs for any wild west ender who would like them – both for the transect surveys and anyone who wants to collect incidental records, please email wildwestend@greeningwingrove.org.uk with your address.

We may run a Q and A Zoom session for those interested. Please email Ruth at wildwestend@greeningwingrove.org.uk if you would like to take part.

As well as the training video there is a written guide and a frequently asked questions sheet, as well as survey recording sheets. Click on the document links below to open them.

WWE Housemartin and Swift Survey info and instructions

Housemartin and Swift Survey FAQs

Summary Survey Instructions

Transect Summary

Survey Instructions Incidental Records

Recording Form for Incidental Records

Recording Form Housemartin and Swift Transect Survey

Summary Recording Form Housemartin and Swift Transect Survey