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Caring for Swifts

The swift population in the UK is declining, so to do our part in caring for wildlife, we’ve installed swift boxes in the Central Tower.

Builder adding swift box to tower window

Project start date

June 2022

Project end date

August 2023

Building bespoke Swift boxes

Swifts were once common in the city of the Durham, but the UK population is quickly declining. 

To help stop the decline, the cathedral's joiners have built specially designed boxes that are ideal for nesting and fit precisely into the cathedral's architecture. 

The boxes have been fitted into the Central Tower against the windows, and are the perfect shape and size for swifts to build their nests in. 

Swift boxes within churches and cathedrals are very successful in attracting the birds due to the height and seclusion. 

Swift boxes being made in workshop with builder holding up design plans to compare final box to the design

Attracting the Swifts

In order to encourage breeding swifts to nest, we have installed high powered speakers 60ft above the ground in the iconic Belfry Tower. 

The speakers will broadcast the sound of a swift attraction call, in the hope of encouraging young birds looking for their first nest site, to breed in the nest boxes fixed to the tower last year.

In addition to the sound system, a number of cameras will enable the team to monitor nest box use to support conservation and will allow the public the opportunity to see hidden wildlife.

Playing our part

Caring for nature is very important to us, just as it was for St Cuthbert. 

We work to ensure the wildlife living within and around the cathedral are cared for. We are stewards of the surrounding riverbanks and woodlands.

peaceful scene of durham river banks, trees appearing very green and healthy

How you can help

There are a lot of costs involved in the conservation work we do. You can make a donation to help support us in our mission of caring for wildlife and nature.

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