A member of the public alerted the Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS) that a building in Hurst Road, Horsham, where the swifts normally nest, was about to be demolished.

The society had to swing into action quickly as swifts return from Africa to nest in the Sussex area in early May.

SOS says that if the colony was to be saved, it was essential to make some alternative arrangement for the birds.

After urgent telephone calls, emails and postings on the SOS website for spare nest boxes, six boxes were secured and fixed by Sam Bayley, warden of Warnham Nature Reserve, to nearby residential homes, including Heathfield next door and Abbeyfield opposite.

The operation was organised by Audrey Wende, who is the SOS swift champion, a position created to try and preserve swifts in Sussex.
Swifts have seen a rapid decline in recent years, in part due to the loss of suitable nesting sites.

Have you provided help for birds? I enough being done to help them? Add your comments below.

More information about the birds of Sussex can be found at www.sos.org.uk.

For comprehensive coverage of all the stories making the local news, read Friday's edition of the West Sussex County Times newspaper. Website users who wish to purchase a copy of the County Times newspaper but live outside our circulation area can do so by telephoning 01403 751200 and asking for reception. The cost of the newspaper plus postage in England is £1.53 which can be paid for by credit card. Overseas rates are also available, on request.