The Ministry of Employment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, has launched the Swift Nestboxes Project, a wood workshop initiative within HMP Windmill Hill which aims to supply low-cost high-quality nest boxes while engaging and motivating inmates in conservation projects.

Together with Principal Officer (Works) Orlando Viñas and Workshop Tutor Manolo Broton, inmates created a prototype based on specifications provided by the Chief Executive Officer (ag) of the Department of Environment, Stephen Warr. After approval of the prototype, production of 20 swift nestboxes commenced in November last year.  

The boxes will be retained by the Department of the Environment who will install them in various locations to support swift populations and encourage nesting.

Minister for Environment, the Hon Prof John Cortes MP, said: “Gibraltar leads the way globally in requiring swift nest sites in all new construction and in providing them in existing ones.  Swifts are part of Gibraltar’s urban scene in the summer, and so are part of our heritage, as well as feeding on millions of insects, including mosquitos – a form of natural pest control. Because they rely on buildings for most of their nest sites, providing these boxes is extremely important for their survival. This project with HMP will make a most valuable contribution to this.”

Minister for Employment, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, said: “The Swift Nestboxes Project allows inmates to learn valuable skills and workmanship, as well as giving them a sense of contributing to environmental efforts. Together with the ‘Pop-up Forest’ which was created last year, this is part of my Ministry’s commitment to upskill the prison population and give them opportunities to give back to the community. My genuine thanks to the prison service at HMP Windmill Hill, especially the senior management and Workshop teams, for supporting this initiative.”