Swifts

The Swift was given ‘Bird of the Borough’ status by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in May 2015, following a request to council from the Antrim RSPB Local Group. Councillor Anne-Marie Logue is currently elected as the Swift champion (2025/26).

Many residents and businesses are carrying our Swift conservation projects by incorporating nesting bricks or erecting nesting boxes on their homes or linking with local businesses.
Here are a few examples of the positive Swift conservation work in Antrim and Newtownabbey:

• Dedicated swift nesting towers installed at Tesco Crumlin and within Crumlin allotments, creating vital new habitats in the heart of the community. 

• Ongoing partnership with RSPB Antrim Local Group, delivering school visits, public events and drop-in sessions at Antrim Library to raise awareness of the swift.

• A Swift Caller installed at Ballyclare Town Hall, actively attracting swifts back to nest and supporting colony establishment in an urban setting. 

• At Doagh Primary School, three swift boxes and a live nest camera bring the birds directly into the classroom, inspiring the next generation through hands-on learning. 

• Swift nest boxes installed by local schools, businesses and council sites, including Crumlin Integrated Primary, Ballycraigy Primary, a Ballyclare business and ANBC Newpark Depot, showing strong community buy-in. 

• Seven “Welcome Back” swift discs positioned across every DEA, celebrating and strengthening our Borough-wide connection to this iconic species. 

• Swift nest bricks embedded into key developments, including Antrim Library, Antrim Castle Gardens, Mossley Mill and Crumlin Recreation Centre, ensuring long-term nesting opportunities are built into our Borough’s future. 

If you would like further information as a local resident, business, school or community group, please contact: E: parks@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk T: 028 9446 3113