Eastlife Spring 2020
With spring flowers, warmer weather and Easter on the horizon, we’re helping you get out of the winter slumber and embrace the great outdoors. Spend the afternoon exploring the sleepy villages of Norfolk or Suffolk, learn to sail on the Broads or punt along the River Cam. Find out more about beach hut hire on the pretty shores of Mersea Island or discover the likes of Ely, Colchester and Ipswich with our travel guides.
With spring flowers, warmer weather and Easter on the horizon, we’re helping you get out of the winter slumber and embrace the great outdoors. Spend the afternoon exploring the sleepy villages of Norfolk or Suffolk, learn to sail on the Broads or punt along the River Cam. Find out more about beach hut hire on the pretty shores of Mersea Island or discover the likes of Ely, Colchester and Ipswich with our travel guides.
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PROPERTY
Swifts in the East
Written by Dick Newell
It’s summer time and you are wondering what you might do over
the weekend. If the weather looks good, an air show at Duxford
might be an option. Watch those wonderful men in their flying
machines, and who knows, the Red Arrows might put in an
appearance, with their stunning displays and dare devil aerial
manoeuvres.
Or, you could go to watch an air show of a different sort, but just
as stunning. What’s more, it is free! Why not visit a swift colony
and watch these aerial masters thrill you on a warm summer’s
evening? Swifts just love to show off as they scream around the
rooftops. No one knows why they do it, the best explanation may
be that they are just having fun - or they do it to entertain us!
Right now, our swifts are in Central and Southern Africa, but they
will be back in the UK for three months as of May.
“There are now 36 nest boxes, out of
sight, under the eaves occupied by 14
pairs of swifts this summer”
Swifts are in trouble
Although swifts are in trouble in this country, they are declining
at about five per cent per annum, efforts to reverse the decline
have resulted in some substantial colonies, particularly in some
churches in our region. With the permission of local parish
church councils, enthusiasts have installed nest boxes for swifts
behind the louvres in a number of belfries. Several colonies in
churches have grown to over 20 pairs and a few over 30 pairs.
So, in June and July, why not visit one of these colonies?
Enjoy swifts in Ely
In Ely, there is a thriving colony in St Mary’s church, right next to
the Cathedral. Why not go for a meal in the Fire Engine House,
right next door to St Mary’s, then either before or after your meal
go and enjoy the spectacle. Just down the road from St Mary’s
there is Ely Maltings, where reroofing a number of years ago
forced the swifts out. There are now 36 nest boxes, out of sight,
under the eaves occupied by 14 pairs of swifts this summer.
Enjoy a free show before or after your meal in the Riverside Bar
& Kitchen.
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