Swifts ‘Displaced’ by Premature Demolition, Activists Claim

Conservationists have raised alarms that swifts may have been uprooted following the demolition of a section of a building in Dorking. The controversy stems from the timing of the construction work, which began during the birds’ migration season, despite being originally scheduled for autumn.

According to swift advocacy groups, a portion of a wall featuring crevices essential for nesting was torn down at the Station Approach site in May. Photographer Amy Brewer, who has been monitoring the local swift population, reported witnessing the birds attempting to re-enter the structure where they had nested in previous years. Similarly, Dorking Swift Conservation warned that an established colony might be lost as a result.

Brewer stated that she had previously observed swifts entering gaps in the building’s structure and suspected the presence of several nests. "I went back the day after and got footage of them flying around, trying to get in, but the wall had gone," she recounted. "It was heartbreaking. You could tell they were trying to find where their nests were." She noted that typically one pair occupies each nest, suggesting multiple pairs were likely affected at the location.

Julia Hemsley, a founder of Dorking Swift Conservation, emphasized that the site had served as a nesting colony for many years. She accused the developers of committing a "wildlife crime," asserting they were fully aware of the nests. Hemsley described seeing over 30 swifts circling the site as they arrived in the UK, searching for their familiar roosts. She cautioned that losing their nests often prevents swifts from breeding in subsequent years, noting the species' strong loyalty to specific nesting sites.

Campaigners are now urging that the developer be held accountable under wildlife legislation. Additionally, Hemsley has encouraged residents to install swift boxes and utilize playback calls to attract the birds to alternative nesting locations.

In response to the incident, Surrey Police confirmed they received reports and are currently reviewing the situation, including seeking out relevant video footage. They have appealed to the public to come forward with any information. Meanwhile, Mole Valley District Council has issued a temporary stop notice and is investigating whether planning regulations were breached. Councillor Bradley Nelson, the cabinet member for planning, clarified that while the approved documents do not strictly ban demolition during nesting season, they mandate that developers conduct a nesting bird check within 48 hours prior to starting work.

Clarion Housing Group maintained that it takes "ecological responsibilities incredibly seriously." The group stated that its contractor, The Hill Group, informed them that pre-demolition inspections did not reveal nesting birds that would have halted operations. Clarion added that further checks were conducted throughout the project and that some work occurred during the nesting season due to delays, which was not prohibited by the planning conditions.

The Hill Group defended its actions, stating that it collaborated with ecologists and the council throughout the demolition of Regent House to ensure compliance with planning requirements and to protect wildlife.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-03 17:21:40 UTC