A simple sound system is set to attract a host of stunning swifts to Islington skies this summer.
The stereo and outdoor speaker, installed on the roof of Islington Council’s Municipal Offices on Upper Street, will play the sounds of the swift to attract the aerobatic birds to surrounding nest boxes.
Modern renovations, which exclude the species by sealing roofs and walls, mean swifts have been visiting London in declining numbers but Islington Council is determined to reverse the trend.
Cllr Greg Foxsmith, Executive Member for Environment, said: “Swifts are amazing migrant birds and a welcome addition to Islington.
"We’re constantly striving to create a greener borough and encouraging birds, including swifts, to nest in Islington is just one way of doing this.
"We may be an inner city borough, but we still take great pride in our parks and gardens.”
Islington is believed to be the first London borough to introduce the swift-attracting technology.
The stereo system, which can be heard from the street, plays swift calls between 4pm and 8pm every day.
A Royal Society for the Protection of Birds spokesperson said: "Swifts are in trouble. We've lost almost half the UK nesting population in the last ten years and they need our help.
"As well as protecting existing swift nest sites, efforts like those on the Islington Council building to create new ones may also help our summer visitors.
"Playing swift calls will create an impression that there is already a colony in residence and will hopefully attract newcomers to the swift boxes the council have put in place.
"Hopefully the people of Islington will be able to enjoy the screams of the swifts signalling the summer for many years to come!"
The system is expected to complement the hundreds of bird boxes dotted around Islington’s street trees, parks, schools and estates.
With help from Transport for London funding, Islington Council placed almost 300 new nest boxes across the borough ahead of spring to encourage more birds to take up residence.
The nest boxes, which are made of environmentally-friendly, durable materials, are designed for small song birds, like blue tits and robins.
A similar project in 2006 resulted in 60 per cent uptake by birds in the new nest boxes. A number of bat boxes were also installed at this time and have recently been occupied – a great success for Islington!
Page Last Updated: 23 June 2009