A PROJECT is underway to encourage swifts to return to nesting in the tower of Culmstock Parish Church.

Swift nest boxes have been installed on the east side of the tower and recordings of calls by the birds are being played to try to entice them.

The recordings are timed to play between 6 am and 9 pm each day so as not to cause a nuisance for residents living near the church.

Villagers have reported seeing swifts near All Saints’ Church which may have been checking it out as a nesting spot for next year.

The charity RSPB said swift numbers had declined steadily in recent decades and the bird was on the UK ‘Red List’ of those of ‘highest conservation concern’ and in need of help.

It promotes nest boxes designed in conjunction with the voluntary organisation Action for Swifts which are designed to fit underneath eaves.