Avenue Washlands proving a vital pit stop for swallow migration

Thousands of swallows are congregating on the Land Trust site at The Avenue Washlands this autumn as they prepare for their 6000 mile migration to South Africa for the winter.

Every year, visitors flock to the reserve to watch the spectacle which provides the perfect roosting and refuelling point for the birds as they travel south from across the north of the UK.  Figures collected by the Land Trust’s managing partner Derbyshire Wildlife Trust suggest that the reserve supports between 10,000 and 15,000 individual swallows at this time, approximately 4 % of the total UK population.

The agile black and white bird, identified by a long forked tail and happy chirruping call returns to South Africa after spending the summer in the UK to breed. The UK population is approximately 375,000 pairs but conservationists are increasingly concerned about their declining numbers. The decline is thought to be due to a changing climate, adverse weather during migration, declining insects and places to nest.

Dave Savage, Living Landscape manager at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, who manage the reserve on behalf of The Land Trust said:

“It’s humbling to watch these smart birds gather together, knowing the epic journey they have ahead of them. Some birds are still just a few weeks old and making the journey for the first time. Sadly, their numbers are in decline and we need to do all we can to help them. Before making the 6000 mile trip back to South Africa, they need to rest and refuel on flying insects so the reedbeds and grassland of The Avenue Washlands are ideal.”

The reserve was created in 2005 and includes reedbed, marsh, ponds and meadow in the valley of the River Rother on part of the site of the decommissioned Avenue Coking Works. The Land Trust has worked closely with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to restore the site and create a rich wildlife habitat with further plans for extension, new and improved wildlife habitat and open space amenities for local people.

The reserve has also become a haven to other wildlife including  tufted duck, wigeon, snipe and little grebe as well as skylarks, yellowhammer and nesting warblers as well as water voles, great crested newts and dragonflies. Elusive and rare bittern have also been spotted here.

The swallows are expected to return next April.