TOWER FOR SWIFTS

Some time ago Swifts moved into our buildings to breed. Unfortunately its population is declining all over the Europe as a result of the loss of nest sites through demolition and renovation to buildings. As a part of protection campaign the first tower of this kind was built in Warsaw, Poland. It is hoped the tower will encourage urban communities of all ages to interact with wildlife and become directly involved in swift conservation.

The structure which shape refers to the silhouette of the flying swift is 8 meters high, durable and resistant to vandalism. Ninety nesting boxes have been placed in cascading racks for easy access and the possibility of replacement by sliding out the “drawer”. Shape of the tower protects nests from overheating and rain. The tower is equipped with an information board and solar photovoltaic panels which are used to power swift attraction device and four LED strip lights. Illuminated tower at dusk in a public park is an attractive solution, promoting swift protection even during their absence in winter months and acting as a year-round sculpture for all to enjoy.

Through the media, the tower has already begun its most important role: promotion of swift protection and education. An intriguing landmark structure attracts public and media attention. It draws attention to the problems of swifts, to the fact that they are at risk and they are very useful to us. We hope that thanks to the tower not only 90 pairs of swifts will gain a safe haven, but that the tower will encourage people to help swifts and to protect them in buildings where they nest. Considering that the oldest known ringed swift was 21 years old and the fact that they are loyal to their nest sites, generations of urban swifts should be able to populate these towers in the future.

Technical data: steel profiles and sheets, zinc coated and painted with grey epoxy paint, prefabricated concrete foundation, modular drawers with ninety nesting chambers placed in a cascading rack, waterproof 15mm plywood.