Swift Tower at Eastbridge

It all sounded so simple: find and purchase a Douglas Fir pole, arrange for suitable ornate carving, attach a purpose-built nesting chamber and sink it in the ground. Easy, we thought! However, after inspection of a similar buried pole this method of support was considered undesirable due to the risk of decay. To find a solution a Structural Engineer was engaged and working together we devised a method that would support the pole without burying the base into the ground. The pole was to be supported by steelwork largely concealed and located within a brickwork chamber with supporting concrete foundations.

The construction was to be built, subject to obtaining Planning Permission within the grounds of the Eels Foot Inn at Eastbridge. With planning and design complete, we gathered funds so that construction could start in December 2023 followed by completion of the build in January 2024. Gilleard Bros (the Company who built the Access for All Path at RSPB Minsmere ) were appointed to undertake the works. We are proud to announce that the build is now complete and our magnificent tower is there for all to admire. 

Funding was and remains a challenge and the project wouldn’t have happened without the enormous support of Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscapes ( formerly Coast and Heaths AONB ) who provided encouragement along with financial support. We have also received funding from East Suffolk’s Nature First initiative and received very generous donations, including a bequest, from members of Waveney Bird Club.

The swift tower serves as a landmark to raising public awareness to the plight of this species. Additionally, the structure provides 40 potential nesting sites for what is one of the UK’s most charismatic and threatened species. We anticipate the tower will attract hundreds of visitors each year and we can safely say that the Eels Foot Inn is the only pub in Britain to have its own swift tower.

Waveney Bird Club and Adnams Brewery ( the landowner ) intend to jointly host an official opening on Tuesday 7th May 2024 on the same date as we welcome back migrating swifts to the Suffolk skies.

As a Club, we must thank our design team members: Project Manager – Steve Piotrowski (retired Civil Engineer); Rob Gooderham (Architect); Project Officer – Bob Flindall (retired Planning Officer); Mark Broughton (WBC Chairman) and Chris Parr (retired Chartered Construction Manager). All have given their time freely and worked tirelessly on this project. Their commitment should be commended.

Steve Piotrowski

23rd January 2024