LEDBURY Naturalists Field Club members have been working swiftly to help swifts in Ledbury, over fears that the much-loved migratory could be having trouble finding places to nest.

On area for action is the former town library, Elizabeth Barratt Browning Institute, where nesting boxes will be installed.

A spokesman said: "Club Members have become increasingly concerned that swifts could be under threat locally when nest sites get blocked, if building renovation work takes place.

"The Barrett – Browning Institute, which until recently was home to Ledbury’s Library is one such building. Now managed by Ledbury Places, a local organization set up to conserve historic buildings whilst maximising their benefit for the public, the two organisations are working together to help the towns swifts."

The spokesman added: "The Ledbury Naturalists Field Club have funded the purchase of six swift nesting boxes, and builders undertaking renovations for Ledbury Places will be erecting the boxes high on outside walls of the old library. This will provide long term nest sites for these wonderful birds"

The Club was founded in 1967 to give local people with an interest in natural history, the opportunity of furthering and sharing knowledge.

Today the Club thrives and activities include walks, talks and surveys and this summer members are endeavouring to find swift nesting sites.

The spokesman added: "The swift is a summer migrant, arriving in this country to breed in early May. When not nesting, amazingly swifts spend all of their time in flight, even sleeping in the air. On summer evenings, swifts will fly rapidly around their nesting area, screaming noisily. They feed on insects and although their natural nest sites are crevices in caves or cliffs, in Britain they nest almost exclusively in buildings especially older ones with gaps that allow access to the roof space.

"The Ledbury Naturalists Field Club will be looking for Swifts in Ledbury over the summer and are keen to work with local residents and organisations to safeguard the towns birds.

"If anyone knows of any local swift nest sites, or are interested in helping to fund this project by sponsoring a swift nest box, please contact the Secretary of the Ledbury Naturalists Field club by emailing admin@ledburynaturalists.co.uk or telephone 07521 150700."