AS the summer approaches Ludlow Swift Group is gearing up for the arrival of the town's iconic summer visitors.

Swifts are a threatened species throughout their range and are declining in the UK, including our own town.

So, the Ludlow Swift Group is preparing to start greeting the swifts as they return to breed.

Ludlow has a thriving population in scattered breeding colonies around the town, especially in the older buildings where they nest on the wall plates inside the roofs.

“Parties of these streamlined black ‘devil birds’ scream around our roof tops throughout the summer, swooping in to their nests at high speed carrying beakfuls of insects caught in the air,” said Robin Pote of the Ludlow Swift Group.

“They are not to be confused with our other summer visitors - House Martins with their mud nests on gable ends, or Swallows twittering in and out of old barns and sheds.

“In many towns and cities across the UK and Europe people come out each year to welcome their swifts back for their all too brief three month stay.

“Ludlow is no exception and we are holding our third annual ‘Welcome To Our Swifts’ week with two events beginning on Monday, May 11."

At the Local to Ludlow Market in the Castle Square on Thursday, May 14 there will be a stall promoting the work of the Ludlow Swift Group and providing lots of information about the birds.

Later that week on Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17 from 6pm until 9 pm people can watch the swifts’ aerial acrobatics over the Teme from the terrace of the Charlton Arms.

“Here there will be an opportunity not only to watch the birds but also to meet members of our group and learn everything you need to know about these wonderful birds while enjoying a convivial drink of our local ales,” added Mr Pote.

“Please come and join us either at the Market Square or at the Charlton Arms. There will be lots of information and group members will be on hand to help you learn more about swifts and show how you can help us to preserve them in Ludlow for future generations.”