Anger as swift boxes along viaduct 'blocked up'

Wildlife campaigners have called on Network Rail to unblock nesting sites for swifts along a railway viaduct in Derbyshire.

Protect the Wild said the body which owns, operates, maintains and develops Britain's railways "deliberately sealed" the nesting sites during the £7.5m refurbishment of the 160-year-old twin viaducts at Chapel Milton, near Chapel-en-le-Frith.

A petition calling on Network Rail to open them up has now been signed by more than 13,000 people.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said there was "no evidence of swifts" at the time of its ecological inspection but added it would install more swift boxes along the viaducts.

The group said "at least three known swift nesting holes were filled with mortar", which it claimed was done "despite local campaigners identifying at least nine nesting sites".

Campaigners said they provided "38 pieces of evidence" of swift nesting sites.

Rob Pownall, from Protect the Wild, said: "Network Rail has said it is willing to work with local groups and improve the site for swifts.

"If that is true, then it should start by undoing the damage that has already been done. Future nest boxes do not replace destroyed nest sites, and they do not help birds returning right now.

"This should never have happened. But it can still be put right."

Network Rail said it was in talks with High Peak Borough Council to explore if further enhancements could be made to the stonework to support habitat without "compromising the integrity of the structure".

A spokesperson added: "While surveys did not identify any bird nesting activity within the span of the viaduct where swifts were reported, we are committed to working closely with conservation groups to improve the local habitat for swifts.

"Following agreement from the council we are now planning to install Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) approved swift nest boxes on the viaduct to provide additional nesting opportunities."

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