Schoolchildren from Witchampton First School’s eco team gave a presentation to pupils at St John’s First School in June all about the common swift, as the birds have recently returned to nest in Wimborne Minster, having completed a 6,000-mile journey from Africa to breed in the UK.

Swifts are classified as a high-conservation concern in the UK, as their population has declined sharply since the 1990s. Wimborne Swifts are urging the community to help swifts by putting up nest boxes on their homes.

Witchampton First School teacher Samantha Lloyd, who helps to run Wimborne Swifts, said: “The St John’s area of Wimborne has lots of swifts in it. The Wimborne Swifts was set up three years ago by nature lovers and birders from Wimborne and the surrounding area to try and help the swifts, because they are on the conservation Red List for birds.

“They nest in little holes in roofs and buildings, but new builds haven’t got any holes. Since the 90s, the swifts have declined by over 60 per cent. So, Wimborne Swifts are trying to get people to put up nest boxes, survey how many swifts are around, and plant pollinator friendly gardens that can provide food for the swifts.

Lloyd praised both the eco team and St John’s schoolchildren. “The presentation was great. The St John’s children were fabulous and listened so well.”

Swifts are a dark brown bird, recognisable for their curved wings making a boomerang shape in the sky, as well as their distinctive ‘screaming’ while racing around the sky.

To find out how you can help with the conservation effort, email wimborneswifts@gmail.com.