Swallows in the church

For many years swallows have nested in the south porch of St.Mary’s church and church members have tried to prevent them from entering the building by draping a net over the south door.

Unfortunately, the net was sometimes left open, which last year resulted in six swallows finding their way into the church but unable to find their way out. As a result, they perished. This serious matter was debated within Netherbury Nature Group, when it was agreed to suggest to the Parochial Church Council to consider replacing the net with a self-closing aluminium chain curtain. After much discussion, the PCC agreed to seek permission from the Salisbury diocesan offices. Such permissions can take several months, but highlighting that ‘time is of the essence’ where the birds are concerned, permission was granted in only 3 days (and that included a Sunday!). The following day the curtain was installed! Netherbury Nature Group had originally offered to make a 50% contribution to the cost of the curtain. But in the event that the cost was lower than expected, NNG has generously donated £80.00 to cover the entire cost.

St.Mary’s PCC & Netherbury Nature Group

Photo by Malcolm Webster