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Caring for Swifts

The swift population in the UK is declining, so to do our part in caring for wildlife, we’ve installed swift boxes in the Central Tower.

Project start date

June 2022

Project end date

August 2022

Swift boxes

Swifts were once common in the city of the Durham, but the UK population is quickly declining. 

To help stop the decline, the cathedral's joiners have built specially designed boxes that are ideal for nesting and fit precisely into the cathedral's architecture. 

The boxes have been fitted into the Central Tower against the windows, and are the perfect shape and size for swifts to build their nests in. Attention calls are played from the boxes to help attract swifts. 

Swift boxes within churches and cathedrals are very successful in attracting the birds due to the height and seclusion. 

Playing our part

Caring for nature is very important to us, just as it was for St Cuthbert. 

We work to ensure the wildlife living within and around the cathedral are cared for. We are stewards of the surrounding riverbanks and woodlands.

How you can help

There are a lot of costs involved in the conservation work we do. You can make a donation to help support us in our mission of caring for wildlife and nature.

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