MEMBERS of the public are being invited to take part in a forthcoming event organised by a conservation scheme.

Chirk Swifts and House Martins is a community conservation project committed to safeguarding these red listed migrant birds. 

And ahead of a special 'welcome back' event planned for later this month, project founder Hayley Garrod said: "Both species have declined by more than 50 per cent in the last 30 years alone, placing them on the red list for conservation. 

"Every year they return to the UK to breed after spending the winter in Africa, but a sustained loss in the insects they eat, extreme weather on migration and the destruction of their nest sites are all contributing to their plummeting numbers.

"Thankfully, there are things that we can all do, such as installing a special nest box for Swifts or a cup for House Martins and having insect friendly gardens and community spaces. 

"Swifts and House Martins are nest site faithful and will return to the same nest year after year providing we haven't excluded them from our homes. 

"If a Swift nest is blocked, they can repeatedly try to get in until exhausted or fatally injured.

"Swifts only land to breed and spend almost their entire lives in the skies.

"Protecting their nest sites is vital to their conservation."

Chirk Swifts and House Martins make and install bespoke nesting solutions across the region and help raise awareness of these incredible birds with events and activities like the weekly

Chirk Aqueduct Swift Watch where around 25 pairs nest year. 

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The 'welcome back' event is to take place at St Mary's Church Hall on Tuesday, May 21, at 7pm.

It will include a talk by Hayley Garrod on the life and plight of these special birds, showcasing the project's work so far and how others can get involved. 

There will also be a short walk and bird watch to help everyone brush up on their Swift and House Martin identification skills, a chance to see the Swifts that took up residence in the tower last summer and of course plenty of refreshments. 

The project will also be launching the new Chirk Swift Trail and there will be lots of information and resources to take away. 

For more information visit www.chirkswiftsandhousemartins.com, email chirkswifts@outlook.com or call 07846853964.