HOUSEBUILDER STEPS IN WITH SWIFT SOLUTION FOR DECLINING BIRD SPECIES

Sussex housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Homes has committed to protecting wild birds at its Meadowburne Place development in Eastbourne and Wychwood Park development in Haywards Heath. Swift numbers in the UK have plummeted by 41% in just ten years between 2008 and 2018*, so to help support the species, the housebuilder will be installing a series of specially-designed nest boxes for swifts at selected homes at both developments.

Changes to roof design and the renovation of older properties has led to established nest sites being lost. To provide bird populations with new places to raise future generations and to encourage residents to live happily alongside nature, Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties is installing the bird-friendly nesting bricks into the fabric of the homes at Meadowburne Place and Wychwood Park.

A total of 90custom-design swift nesting boxes will be installed across both developments, with 40allocated to Meadowburne Place and 50allocated to Wychwood Park. These special bricks have been designed to match the existing framework of the homes, and once installed will create a safe, unobtrusive home for birds.

Kimberley Benson, Sales & Marketing Director for Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties, comments: “As a responsible housebuilder, it is our mission to provide a safe home for nature at our developments. Our longstanding partnership with wildlife conservation charity the RSPB has allowed us to deliver a range of nature-friendly features at our developments, including our latest pledge to provide a home for wild birds. We look forward to seeing the swifts and sparrows move into their new homes over the coming years.”

John Day, RSPB Urban Land Management Adviser, said: “The swifts you see careening around rooftops have flown thousands of miles over rainforests, deserts and seas. When they arrive, some will find there isn’t anywhere safe and secure to raise their chicks. We are delighted that Barratt David Wilson Homes is installing swift bricks to help this amazing bird”.

To find out more about how to help swifts and other garden wildlife, visit rspb.org.uk/yourdoorstep.

Barratt Southern Counties is currently building a selection of four-bedroom homes at Meadowburne Place, with prices starting from £474,995.

Barratt Southern Counties and David Wilson Southern Counties are both building at Wychwood Park, with prices starting from £409,995 for a three-bedroom family home.

To find out more about Barratt Homes, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 0333 355 8498. For further information about David Wilson Homes, visit www.dwh.co.ukor call 0333 355 8499.

ENDS