New Homes for Swifts and Bats in Totton & Eling
Have you spotted any of the new swift or bat boxes popping up around town?
We’re thrilled to announce the installation of 4 swift boxes and 16 bat boxes across Totton & Eling as part of a local conservation initiative. The project has brought together a fantastic group of organisations and volunteers – from New Forest District Council and Hampshire Swifts, to Totton Men’s Shed, whose talented members hand-built the bat boxes. Ecologists from New Forest District Council have lent their expertise to help choose the best locations and monitor how the bats settle in.
Boxes have been placed at three local schools as well as various green spaces. These locations provide ideal conditions for roosting bats and nesting swifts:
Sites include:
West Totton, Testwood Recreation Ground, Bartley Park, Goatee Beach & 3 Local Schools.
Why Focus on Swifts and Bats?
Swifts and bats are iconic parts of our evening skies, yet both are increasingly under threat. In fact, swift populations in the UK have dropped by more than 65% over the past 25 years, and many of the UK’s native bat species are protected due to sharp declines caused by habitat loss.
Swifts are truly incredible birds — they spend most of their lives on the wing and only land to nest. Every year, they migrate over 3,000 miles from Africa to the UK to breed, often returning to the same nesting site year after year. Modern building practices have removed many of these traditional spaces, which is why projects like this one are so vital.
Bats, on the other hand, are the UK’s only true flying mammals and play a crucial role in pest control. A single tiny pipistrelle bat can eat up to 3,000 insects in one night! Despite their usefulness, many bats struggle to find safe roosting spaces. Providing bat boxes gives them shelter, especially in urban areas where natural roosts are scarce.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you have a garden, a school, or simply a love for wildlife, there are many ways you can support our local bats and swifts. Here are just a few:
- Support Hampshire Swifts – learn how to install a swift box or take part in local surveys.
- Visit the Bat Conservation Trust – explore ways to help bats in your area.
- Make your own swift box – perfect for homes with tall walls and gable ends.
- Build a bat box – a fun DIY project that can make a real difference.
If you’re interested in finding out more about nature and conservation in the local area, helping with future wildlife surveys, or just want to stay updated on local projects, follow us online!
📷Tag your nature photos with #TottonNatureNews and follow our updates on Facebook and Instagram.
Explore and Learn More
This local conservation project is just one of the many ways we’re working together to protect nature. Thanks to everyone involved in helping our flying friends feel more at home in Totton & Eling.
