A RYEDALE town is running a campaign to encourage more visitors – of the feathered variety.

A number of nest boxes have been put up in Helmsley, as the town makes a concerted effort to encourage swifts to make a temporary home there ahead of the bird’s breeding season.

Four boxes have been attached at the rear of the Claridges Book Shop, with several more being put up at the North York Moors National Park Authority offices in Bondgate, Porters Coffee Shop and on homes in Castlegate.

The activity is thanks to a group called Helmsley Swifts, which aims to educate people about swifts, ensuring that existing nest sites are retained and providing additional nest sites - many have been lost over recent years, as roofs have been replaced.

Helmsley Swifts is working with Helmsley in Business to find homes for the nest boxes, and members of the business group even helped to fit them in place, with Charlie Heap, who runs the National Centre for Birds of Prey at Duncombe Park, installing the first boxes with the help of one of the Centre’s volunteers, Lynn Wraith.

The main arrival of swifts into North Yorkshire is in early to mid-May, as they get ready to breed.

Jonathan Pomroy, a wildlife and landscape artist who started Helmsley Swifts with Ian Kibble, said: “Swifts pair for life and are the most affectionate of birds in the nest boxes, constantly preening each other and snuggling up tight.

“Many nests in Helmsley are located under pan tiles in the loft space and consist of material gathered entirely on the wing; feathers, bud cases and pieces of grass or straw blown into the air.”

The group is applying for grants to buy more boxes and electronic swift calls to attract the birds to the new boxes. As part of UK Swift Awareness Week, there will also be a Midsummer Swift Eve event on June 21 at All Saints Church in Helmsley.

The evening starts at 7.30pm with a short presentation before a walk around the town to look at the swifts in their new homes, along with swallows and house martins. The event is free and suitable for all ages.

For more information, email iankibble@yahoo.com or jonathan@pomroy.plus.com