May 2017 - Valentine Court, Forest Hill

Rebecca approached Lewisham Homes to ask if they would be willing to install Swift nest boxes on the Valentine Court estate on Perry Vale during refurbishment work.  Lewisham Homes and the Breyer Construction Group agreed and Rebecca launched a crowd-funding appeal to pay for the nest boxes and surveyed the site to find suitable installation places.

Rebecca later posted:

"Getting four schwegler swift boxes ready for hopefully the grand installation on one of the buildings on Valentines Court in Forest Hill at the end of the week. I had to think carefully about what boxes to choose taking into account they will be placed on walls without eaves so will get the full force of the weather. I was advised to get boxes that would be able to take this, especially rain. These boxes are made out of wood and concrete and are long lasting. I have painted the roofs white to deflect any sun to help keep temperatures down inside. I am planning on having them put on a true north facing wall to keep them out of strong sun. Fingers crossed they go up without a hitch! Many thanks to Lewisham Homes and the Breyer Group for supporting this project so far."

By the end of May 2017 four boxes had been installed on Valentine Court.  Two are visible at the top of the wall in this photo, and they can been seen by passers-by on Perry Vale.  We still need someone in that block to play swift calls.