Swifts get warm welcome home!

People in Crossgates, Leeds turned out in force at the weekend (Sunday 10 May) to welcome Swifts back to the city after a long migration from Africa to nest in the UK.

The Leeds Swifts Homecoming Parade set off from Crossgates Community Centre in bright sunshine led by Bare Brass Band and Dave, the amazing unicycling Swift. There was even a live Swift fly past to start proceedings.

The parade, the only one of its kind to take place in the city, was the brainchild of super Leeds Swifts supporter and local resident, Helen Lucy (pictured left, leading the parade).

Said Helen:  “It was great to see so many people in the local community come along to take part in the parade and show our Swifts just how loved they are.  A massive thank you to everyone who helped and took part.

“These amazing birds have massively declined in Leeds and across the UK but we hope by working with local communities like here in Crossgates, we can help to nurture and protect existing Swift colonies and raise awareness to show how people can help us to do that.”

Swift numbers across the UK have fallen by over 60% in the last 30 years.

The parade took place around the Poole Estate in Crossgates, where Leeds Swifts has been investing time and funding (with support from the RSPB Leeds Local Group) to support the local colony of Swifts. 

It is hoped that by installing Swift nest boxes, working with the local community and raising awareness of the importance of Swift conservation that colony numbers will start to recover.

For more information about Swifts and how to support Swift conservation, visit Leeds Swifts