UN ACCOLADE FOR CRESCENT ARTS CENTRE’S WORK ON SWIFTS
International recognition for renovations at swift event on Friday evening
On Friday 30.04.2010, the Crescent Arts Centre, Hamilton Architects, project sponsors Breacon and contractors Gilbert-Ash received a prestigious UNESCO award at a multi-cultural event celebrating the return of the swifts – a long-distance migrant bird.
The UK ‘Man and the Biosphere’ Urban Wildlife Award for Excellence is a UK contribution towards the United Nations International ‘Man and the Biosphere’ project in urban areas. It aims to recognise projects which help keep contact between people and wildlife and make a real contribution to the quality of peoples’ lives.
The award is given in recognition of their innovative partnership in ensuring the protection, conservation and enhancement of the swift breeding colony in the roof of the 136-year old Crescent Arts Centre listed building during a complex two-year long multimillion pound refurbishment and extension.
“We are thrilled with the award,” said Dr David Hill, Crescent Arts Centre’s Chair. “When we confirmed the unique nature of the colony and the importance of preserving it, we ensured the birds’ requirements were written into the tender and the rest, as they say, is history.”
And some history it is too. The colony has been in the building since the 1920s at least, when the screaming of the swifts was remembered as these avian wonders entered and left their nests.
“It was very interesting for us working with these challenges,” said Kieran Mooney, Project Sponsor, Braecon. “But a lot less difficult that you’d imagine. All we had to do was ensure that the timing of the project coincided with the winter, when the birds were away. And when they returned, they were happy to nest alongside the renovations that were taking place on the other side of the building.”
“This award is very timely,” said John McMillen, CEO NIEA. “As swift numbers struggle across the UK, we know that the Crescent has done something for them here. We hope that their example inspires others to follow their lead when they discover that wildlife can be accommodated with very little effort and cost.”
The event, organised by the RSPB, Beyond Skin and the Crescent, also launched Swiftwatch UK, a UK-wide survey asking people to report sightings of swift colonies. Swifts numbers have collapsed across the UK and Ireland, partly because buildings that used to house them are knocked down or renovated, making them unsuitable for the birds.
“It would be useful for us to know where their colonies are located and get a better picture of the numbers here. If anyone has any information we would encourage them to let us know about it,” said Stephanie Sim, RSPB. “We congratulate the Crescent. They are a shining example of how wildlife and people can and benefit each other.”
For more information about the event call 02890242338.
To report a swift colony, go to:
http://metsteel01/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.rspb.org.uk/thingstodo/surveys/swifts/
or call 02890491547.
The UK ‘Man and the Biosphere’ Urban Wildlife Award for Excellence is a UK contribution towards the United Nations International ‘Man and the Biosphere’ project in urban areas. It aims to recognise projects which help keep contact between people and wildlife and make a real contribution to the quality of peoples’ lives.
The award is given in recognition of their innovative partnership in ensuring the protection, conservation and enhancement of the swift breeding colony in the roof of the 136-year old Crescent Arts Centre listed building during a complex two-year long multimillion pound refurbishment and extension.
“We are thrilled with the award,” said Dr David Hill, Crescent Arts Centre’s Chair. “When we confirmed the unique nature of the colony and the importance of preserving it, we ensured the birds’ requirements were written into the tender and the rest, as they say, is history.”
And some history it is too. The colony has been in the building since the 1920s at least, when the screaming of the swifts was remembered as these avian wonders entered and left their nests.
“It was very interesting for us working with these challenges,” said Kieran Mooney, Project Sponsor, Braecon. “But a lot less difficult that you’d imagine. All we had to do was ensure that the timing of the project coincided with the winter, when the birds were away. And when they returned, they were happy to nest alongside the renovations that were taking place on the other side of the building.”
“This award is very timely,” said John McMillen, CEO NIEA. “As swift numbers struggle across the UK, we know that the Crescent has done something for them here. We hope that their example inspires others to follow their lead when they discover that wildlife can be accommodated with very little effort and cost.”
The event, organised by the RSPB, Beyond Skin and the Crescent, also launched Swiftwatch UK, a UK-wide survey asking people to report sightings of swift colonies. Swifts numbers have collapsed across the UK and Ireland, partly because buildings that used to house them are knocked down or renovated, making them unsuitable for the birds.
“It would be useful for us to know where their colonies are located and get a better picture of the numbers here. If anyone has any information we would encourage them to let us know about it,” said Stephanie Sim, RSPB. “We congratulate the Crescent. They are a shining example of how wildlife and people can and benefit each other.”
For more information about the event call 02890242338.
To report a swift colony, go to:
http://metsteel01/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.rspb.org.uk/thingstodo/surveys/swifts/
or call 02890491547.
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