Swift decline highlighted at Hampton Court Palace

Swifts, often seen as the "symbol of summer skies," are facing a notable decline, showcased at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival this year. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) collaborated with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to develop a show garden focused on raising awareness about these birds. Swifts arrive in the UK from early May and spend nearly their entire lives in flight, relying on healthy insect populations and suitable nesting sites during the breeding season. Conservationists stress that the decline in swift populations signals broader environmental issues. Visitors to the festival can learn how to identify swifts, characterized by their dark, sooty brown color and distinctive calls.

The RHS and RSPB's efforts aim to inspire conservation actions among festival attendees. This initiative highlights the urgent need to protect these birds and their habitats. Such awareness is crucial for fostering a sustainable environment for swifts and other species.