CON Consultation 1 DEFA Biodiversity

From: Costain, Sophie (DEFA) To: DEFA, Planning Subject: PA 20/00296/B - Erection of a first floor extension, Church Road, Peel Date: 07 April 2020 16:41:00

Good Afternoon RE: PA 20/00296/B - Erection of a first floor extension, Church Road, Peel

Action for Swifts is a joint Manx Ornithological Society and Manx Birdlife initiative which aims to learn more about, and increase the nesting opportunities for Swifts on the Isle of Man. They are looking for appropriate properties where Swift bricks or nest boxes can be installed in order to help increase the breeding numbers of these specially protected birds.

Swifts are a quintessential sign of British summertime and are often seen soaring over rooftops on late summer evenings, with their dark sickle-shaped wings and distinctive ‘screaming’ calls. Swifts are entirely reliant on buildings to nest but a significant number of nest sites have been, and are continuing to be lost when buildings are demolished or refurbished. Because swifts are faithful to their nest site, their breeding success is being severely affected and their numbers are declining dramatically.

In order to help out with efforts to increase Swift breeding numbers in the Isle of Man, the applicant may wish to consider installing a swift nest box or nest brick, preferably high up under the eaves of the building, whilst the work to create a 1st floor extension is being undertaken. Noting that no supporting documentation is available on the planning website for this application, and therefore the best location on the building is hard to ascertain. Nest boxes are very easy to install and furthermore, if used, the birds will make no mess.

Though not a necessary addition to the building, the installation of a nest box would be a great ecological enhancement for wildlife in the area and any efforts to help increase the number of breeding swifts across the Isle of Man would be greatly appreciated.

More information about Swifts and nest boxes can be obtained from Janet Thompson, Secretary of the Manx Ornithological Society on 01624 835524 or from www.manxbirdlife.im/manx-birds/action-for-swifts.

Best wishes

Sophie

Miss S Costain, Ecosystem Policy Officer Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John's, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS Tel +44 (0)1624 685963 Fax +44 (0)1624 685851 Email [email protected] Website: www.gov.im/defa DEFA - working for a clean, safe, healthy, attractive and vibrant environment which will be enjoyed by present and future generations alike.

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