Hooray! The swifts arrived
BirdRun Spring22 has completed. The swift’s arrived at Walthamstow on the 25th April. They’re now feeding up before they start breeding and nest building. The draw for the final winners was held at London Wildlife Trust on the 4th May – check out our news section for the details.
About this competition
BirdRun has partnered with the amazing people at the London Wildlife Trust: wildlondon.org.uk/bird-run. The money we raise will help them protect nature in the city and help the swifts thrive.
Over the last 20 years, the UK has lost more than half of its swifts. But London Wildlife Trust are doing their bit to help. Your support will go towards enhancing the swift tower to encourage nesting and wider site habitat improvements at the Walthamstow Wetlands that are so important for swifts’ survival.
Records show that the birds will likely arrive between the 13th and 25th April. If you can guess the actual day the first one arrives, you will be entered into our prize draw for one of the fabulous prizes shown here.
Prizes
1st
2 Exclusive Nights accommodation for up to 5 with Stargazing and a Hot tub.*
2 Nights Family Glamping and Stargazing and a Hot tub
Delve into the cosmos on our exclusive Superstars Stargazing weekend on the 21st and 22nd October 2022 at a private dark site in Wales. You and up to 4 guests can enjoy a weekend of wonderment as you are guided by an expert astronomer on an in-depth programme covering basics of astronomy, observation and astrophotography, with all necessary equipment provided. Then retire to your fully equipped glamping pod with 1 double bed and 1 double sofa bed, en-suite, kitchenette, TV and heating. Take in the beauty of the surrounding countryside on your private deck with picnic table or take a dip in your very own hot tub (one bag of wood for heating provided). Stargazing will take place on both nights, weather permitting, and this weekend offers the opportunity to spot numerous constellations at one of the best dark sites in the UK.
Itinerary
Day 1
- 4.00pm Arrive at the Hafren
- 6.00pm Introductory Lecture – The basics of Astronomy
- 7.00pm Break
- 7.30pm Equipment – Introduction to astronomical equipment.
- 9.00pm Break
- 10.00pm Astronomical Observation and Astrophotography (weather permitting)
- 2.30am Finish for the night
Day 2
The day is left free for you to explore the wonderful scenery of Mid Wales.
- 6.00pm Lecture – What’s in the night sky?
- 7.00pm Break
- 7.30pm Astrophotography – Landscape and deep sky imaging
- 9.00pm Break
- 10.00pm Astronomical Observation and Astrophotography (weather permitting)
- 2.30am Finish for the night
Day 3
- 12.00pm Leave Hafren
Terms
Valid only for the 21st and 22nd October 2022. This is a private event, and you will be joined by 5 other groups. Cabins can sleep 4 adults or families up to 5 people by prior agreement. Prize includes £75.00 towards travel expenses.
* Please note this prize will only be awarded if we meet a minimum number of 1200 entries
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2nd
Two-night B&B for two in a King En-Suite in the heart of London
CitySpace London - Two-night B&B for two in a King En-Suite
Two nights in the perfect location for exploring the delights of London town. Located just yards away from the world-famous Borough Market this prize is ideal for anyone seeking a city break in the capital.
Cityspaces’ vision is rooted in creating sophisticated boutique spaces which are designed with consideration and character. For guests intent on experiencing the city, they strive to provide efficient but sleek and stylish guestrooms. To maximise quality over quantity always ensuring that there is purposeful pared back design without compromising on comfort. A space for CitySpace customers to focus, think, feel, plan, create & experience what they want, how they want. You’ll get full access to the lounge; their casual work space or luxurious cozy seating for relaxing.
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3rd
One night B&B stay for two right by the beach in Norfolk
The Two Lifeboats, Norfolk - One night B&B stay for two
Nestled onto the coast of Norfolk, only a couple steps from the beach, this incredible seaside stay has everything you need for your getaway. The Two Lifeboats was originally a coffee shop and Fisherman’s Mission circa 1720. The public house is named after the Augusta & Duncan lifeboats that rescued a crew of eight from the wreck of the Norwegian brig Caroline on December 6th 1882. Steeped in history and fully refurbished to a very high standard it opened to the public in June 2012.
CloseHow it works
BirdRun is no ordinary prize draw.
Step 1We tell you the time window when the first swift normally arrives at Walthamstow Wetlands.
Step 2You enter the day(s) you think the first swift will arrive.
Step 3London Wildlife Trust experts look out for the birds every day and they validate the day when the first swift arrives.
Step 4Everyone who gets the correct date is entered into the prize draw. The winner(s) are selected at random.
(If the swifts arrive outside the selection window everyone will be entered into the draw.)
Internationally important nature reserve providing shelter to a wide range of wildlife.
Walthamstow Wetlands
In the Lee Valley a cluster of reservoirs have been transformed into Europe’s largest urban wetland reserve.
The ten reservoirs offer haven for swifts who visit to feed and mate before nesting in the open eaves of houses in Walthamstow and elsewhere.
They love the place because it’s also home for their favourite food. They snatch the abundant flying insects, especially mosquitoes, gnats, midges and other flies from the air at superspeed.
Swifts can eat up to 20,000 insects a day and they cover a lot of ground doing it: they can travel between 500 and 700 miles a day while feeding.
Walthamstow Wetlands is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It also forms part of the Lee Valley Special Protection Area and is on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
What others are saying about BirdRun
Some amazing migration facts
The Bar-tailed Godwithas the longest non-stop migration: 7,580 miles in 11 days
The Swiftsleeps in flight resting half its brain at a time
The flightless Adélie Penguinmigrates too! Trekking over 8,000 miles every year