Bourne-Taylor takes to the streets to save swifts

Author and conservationist Hannah Bourne-Taylor marched through London to petition against the decline in British wildlife over the weekend, supported by the RSPB and the conservation charity Rewriting Extinction. 

On 5th November, Taylor-Bourne walked from Speaker’s Corner to Downing Street, naked and painted from neck to toe in ink feathers by artist Guido Daniele.

Issuing a speech, which focuses on the future and welfare of swifts, she has released a petition calling for "swift bricks" to be made compulsory across new housing in Britain. These bricks would benefit swifts, House sparrows, House martins and starlings, which are red-listed species. Swifts have declined more than 50% since the mid 1990s and join 69 other British birds on the red list of highest conservation concern.

RSPB executive director Emma Marsh said: “Swifts are one of many species desperately in need of our help. More than half have disappeared from UK skies in just 20 years, partly because of a lack of suitable nesting sites…I would urge everyone to sign this petition.”

Bourne-Taylor is an author and conservationist. Her nature memoir Fledgling (Aurum), tells the true story of how she rescued, hand raised and released two wild birds, a swift, and a finch.

“I’m head over heels in love with birds, especially swifts," she said. "The Feather Speech campaign is here to show that we can make a difference and that passion is a superpower. While the idea of being naked in public feels like a nightmare, what is far worse is the threat of swifts becoming nationally extinct."

"The Feather Speech is not just a campaign aimed at the government or to the people of Britain," she continued. "It is an alliance with our wild neighbours. Let the records show we care. We are connected and we will unite on behalf of the nature on our doorsteps, starting with swifts, who watch over us all.

"As we prepare to welcome our feathered patriots home in the spring, let us recognise the power of our own voices. Let us recognise we can make a difference. When the environmental crisis feels overwhelming, let us come together and show that passion is a superpower."