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The Swift Mapper app is a powerful tool for Swift conservation in the UK. Developed by the Natural Apptitude team for the RSPB and its partners (including Swift Conservation, Action for Swifts and the Swifts Local Network), it allows users to record sightings of nesting Swifts, building a valuable data set that informs targeted conservation actions, whilst encouraging its users to take an active role in the conservation of the Swift population.
The Background
Between 1995 and 2022, the UK’s Swift population declined by over 60% and one of the main reasons for this drastic decline is thought to be the loss of swift nesting sites in the UK.
Swifts are believed to pair for life and they meet up at the same nest site in the UK each spring – usually a gap under roof tiles or in the eaves of buildings. As more and more old buildings are demolished or renovated, many Swifts are returning to discover their nest site is gone.
The RSPB is committed to preserving and improving the status of native and migratory birds, including those of the Swift. In order to do this, conservationists need to have a clear understanding of the factors at play in the decline of Swifts currently migrating to and residing in the UK over the spring and summer months. And to do that, they need help from you and me. This is why the citizen science project, Swift Mapper was launched.
Over the past six years, we’ve been working closely with the RSPB and partners on the Swift Mapper project. This was set up with a number of key objectives in mind:
- Directly engage the general public in Swift conservation
- Show where Swifts are nesting, so that their sites can be flagged and protected within the planning system and new nesting sites can be provided nearby to existing sites
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The Solution
Swift Mapper is a mobile app and supporting website that allow users to:
- Record and view Swift sightings related to nesting activity
- Upload sightings in real-time
- Access an ID guide to help accurately identify swifts
Additionally, the project encourages people to install Swift nesting boxes and join local Swift groups to provide additional suitable nesting sites.
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The Latest results
To date, the Swift Mapper project has achieved significant results:
- Data Collection: Over 96,000 records have been submitted, providing sightings from across the UK.
- Conservation Impact: The data collected is helping Swift conservation groups to better target their help for nesting Swifts.
- Public Engagement: The project is successfully harnessing the power of citizen data recorders to help Swift conservation.
- Scalability: The use of technology enables Swift Mapper to collect large amounts of data at a larger scale, otherwise unattainable
Read the News article
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“It’s fantastic to see more and more records of nesting Swifts being added to Swift Mapper. These records help us to understand where nest sites need to be protected and where new ones are needed. The system is so easy to use and we’d encourage everyone to share their records of nesting Swifts via the Swift Mapper app or website.”
Dr Guy Anderson
RSPB migratory bird expert
RSPB
“It’s fantastic to see more and more records of nesting Swifts being added to Swift Mapper. These records help us to understand where nest sites need to be protected and where new ones are needed. The system is so easy to use and we’d encourage everyone to share their records of nesting Swifts via the Swift Mapper app or website.”
Dr Guy Anderson
RSPB migratory bird expert
RSPB
