Lib Dems Campaign to "Save our Swifts"

12.39.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 5th Oct 2009

Maidstone’s Lib Dems say it’s time to save our swifts

In light of the recorded rapid decline in the UK swift population (a recent RSPB survey showed a decline of more than a quarter since 2004, which is put down to to renovation and modernisation of Victorian and Edwardian properties). Maidstone Lib Dem Councillors have called for the adoption of a policy whereby all new developments and extensions within recorded swift hotspots across Maidstone Borough incorporate "swift brick" nesting facilities. Such a progressive policy could perhaps arrest the local decline in populations of this enigmatic bird of "conservation concern".

Nesting populations of swift can be found in Fant Ward, within the town areas of East and North Wards, the All Saints Church area of High Street Ward and in Headcorn, Lenham, Ulcombe and Marden village centres. A population also formerly nested at Maidstone Museum.

Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet Member for Regeneration Tony Harwood states: "Such a simple but progressive policy would comply with the Council's legal duty to 'have regard' for biodiversity under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. Significantly, architect Lord Rogers utilises swift bricks within many of his projects. A number of companies market a range of designs of "swift brick" from as little as £30 each".