Martin has been interested in birds from an early age and has travelled extensively in pursuit of different species. He has a particular passion for swifts. Two pairs have nested on his house for many years. By encouraging neighbours to put up boxes he has helped build up a successful small colony in his road. Martin has spent his career in primary education, was formerly a trustee of Kent Wildlife Trust and as a keen wildlife photographer, completed a Master’s degree in photography in 2015. He lives in West Kent, writes articles about wildlife for local journals and regularly nags his local council to do more for swifts.

Cheryl is a lifelong lover of all wildlife. Her rewilded garden is home to many creatures who regularly visit, including hedgehogs, badgers and foxes. A resident of Goudhurst since 1997, she became interested in helping these amazing birds, on realising their numbers were declining. She attended a talk on swifts given by Martin and it’s true to say, she’s been a swift enthusiast ever since!

After 3 years and waiting, swifts prospected her apex box for the first time. Fingers crossed for next year.

Justin is an amateur wildlife photographer and as a late-starting naturalist he is keen to learn more about wildlife of all kinds. In 2000 he and his wife moved to a house in which swifts were already nesting, and they and the swifts have been there ever since. He is very concerned about the UK’s diminishing wildlife, and wishes to make a difference wherever he can. He now wishes he had started being interested in the natural world earlier, when there would have been so much more to see!