CONSERVATIONISTS at Chester Zoo are urging people to take part in a survey to save an iconic UK bird called swifts.

The swift migrates from Africa to nest in the UK over summer but they are now finding a lack of nesting sites due to changes to buildings in the UK.

Historically swifts nested in holes in trees and rocky crevices but since Roman times they have made use of eaves and holes in buildings so much so that they now rarely rest anywhere else.

Experts are offering tips to the public on how to lend a helping hand to this British favourite by protecting nest sites and putting up nest boxes.

There are thought to be only around half as many swifts in the UK as there were 20 years ago and they are now amber-listed on the Birds of Conservation Concern list.

Wildlife connections project officer Manon Keir said: “The great British summer would not be the same without the sight and sounds of swifts gracing our skies, but we mustn’t take this for granted.

“Conservation is critical but it is certainly not too late.

“Every one of us can make a difference.

“There is a simple video guide on the Chester Zoo website demonstrating how to make a swift nest box for your garden.

“And the RSPB Chester Group are recruiting volunteers for the 207 swift survey.

“It’s time to act for wildlife together.”

The swift is a plain brown bird with a distinctive crescent shape, long wings and a short forked tail, perfectly designed for their long journeys.

Roger Nutter from the RSPB Chester group said: “In summer 2016, more than 200 records were submitted in the first phase of the Chester Swift Survey.

“We hope that even more people will take part in 2017."

Volunteers who would like to help with the survey should contact Chester RSPB Group through www.rspb.org.uk/groups/chester