MAY 2023
NEW MILTON SWIFTS – Well, they’re
back again in New Milton!
Swifts migrate from southern Africa to
northern latitudes in the spring – a journey typically of around
6,000 miles. They arrive with us in early May, find their mate
and if they locate their old nest site, breed quickly. The
young fly the nest site in August then both adults and young depart
our shores in late-August, flying back to southern Africa.
Swifts really are birds of the air.
They eat, sleep, drink and mate on the wing, landing only for
brief periods, when breeding, in nooks and crannies in buildings
during the period May to August. Young birds, on
leaving the nest site, do not breed until they are three years old,
so they have no need to land, anywhere, in that time.
A grounded Swift cannot become airborne by itself.
Swifts are sneaky. Quite often
nest sites in houses go unnoticed by occupants as the birds go about
their business rapidly and quietly. Even when feeding young,
which are often silent in the nest, they may only visit to feed
three or four times in a day. The family will roost together
at night in the nest space and they are ultra-clean. In fact,
the only time anyone may be aware of Swifts in their area is during
the summer, when they gather in small parties, wheeling around the
sky, sometimes flying low down over roof-tops socialising and
bonding with each other, with their high-pitched calls.
But all is not lost. We can all
help Swifts by providing purpose-built spaces for them in our homes,
shops, commercial premises in the town centre, industrial buildings
or churches.
Hampshire Swifts is a registered charity
and is passionate about Swifts. Our dedicated team is trying
to change the fortunes of these beautiful and enigmatic birds by
encouraging householders, businesses, building developers, local
councils, and the clergy to install purpose-built nesting sites.
They are promoting the installation of Swift-bricks ideally, or
Swift-boxes, on any suitable property. Locally, a few kind
people are having Swift boxes attached to their houses, so fingers
crossed for successful occupation in the years to come.
Hampshire Swifts makes and installs
Swift-boxes or can retro-fit Swift-bricks. Swift boxes start
at £25 and are fitted free. If you would like more information
on how to help bring Swifts back to New Milton, please see the
Hampshire Swifts website at
www.hampshireswifts.co.uk
Alternatively contact their local representative Bob Lord on
07905-249587 or email
robertlord123@btinternet.com
Thank you.
_______________________
THE NAKED PANTRY
Do You Know What's On @The Quench?** |
Hello! As we lead into the upcoming bank holidays, we wanted to let you all know what we have going on at our sister coffee shop, The Quench - next door to us in New Milton.
We believe nobody should feel lonely or
be at a loose end and as a result we have a great
calender of meets ups, classes and groups and we still
have room fir more if you'd like to host your own! Come alone or bring a friend, there are
no strangers here, just new friends and a warm welcome.
All we ask is that you buy a cuppa and a snack (Which
could be as little as £4!) there is never a charge to
participate in any of our activities or groups. Tell
your friends, family, work colleagues and neighbours or
pop in for a copy of our flyer to put up in your
community or work space to spread the word. If you are
interested in hosting your own group (A book club, knit
and natter, crochet classes or a craft group for
example) please get in touch. We're also hoping to run some weekend
events in our garden and cafe over the summer. We'll
send details out of those when we have dates finalised.
We may well be having another curry and quiz night - who
knows! Check out or current dates and see if
there's anything that you or someone you know might like
to come along to..... |
Tuesdays Wednesdays Third Wednesday of Each Month Friday Mornings
Gardening Club Get Together & Swap Meet
Oakhaven Wellbeing Pop Ups |
Hope to see you there, Kathy & The Team |