Making the Swift Home Story

 The Bronze Swifts by JOEL were combined in a beautiful statue and shown at the prestigious SCULPTURE Exhibition at Doddington Hall in Lincolnshire this year.

Flagging up the importance of Swifts and their need for conservation help in providing them nest sites in our houses and buildings.

JOEL is to do more work on a new young Swift as a nest pair for the first she has made.

'They are such an inspiring bird, in their speed and flight and migration - and their loyalty to return to their mate at their chosen nest site. What a privilege people have when they build a home that such birds can enjoy and rear their young successfully' JOEL

Young Swifts a Perfect Gift

Latest news for the Swift Sculpture & Statue project is the casting of the young Swift sculpture made by JOEL last year.

The aim is to make a classic bronze sculpture within the budget of more people, without compromising on detail or quality. A lovely Gift for a special person or event.

JOEL intends to make and cast an even younger Swift...Now there is a lovely thought for the Swift Family and Fans!

The first young Swifts have 'flown' off to Swift conservationists in Aldeburgh, Suffolk. Who do so much to champion the cause of the Swift. Here Young Swift and their book 'Storm' - very popular in schools.

Swifts Across Britain

The Swift statues continue to be selected for Sculpture Exhibitions across England and now overseas in Guernsey, at ArtParks.

Here a selection of images of the different bronze statues.

In the beautiful Marks Hall Arboretum

Sent over to Artparks, Guernsey

At Marks Hall more recently

Off to Hampshire

AT RHS Rosemoor, Devon for the Winter Exhibition

JOEL and other project partners are developing an accompanying leaflet to highlight the need for conservation of the Swift; The protection of existing nesting places and provision of nest sites in new buildings.

Swift Sculpture Continue to Celebrate and Promote

The beautiful sculptures of the Swift (Apus Apus) continue to raise awareness for the need to make efforts to help this bird survive and thrive.

Events in 2016 include the sculpture exhibition at Marks Hall in Essex. During the summer hundreds of people could admire the Swifts and find out about the need to help this species.



The First pairs of Swifts in Bronze are also now in the private collections of people who are involved in Swift Conservation.

The artist Joel Walker  continues to draw up designs for the Swift award and help local and national Swift Conservation projects.

Swift Statue available to touch and see

    The message for the need to conserve and celebrate the Swift (Apus Apus) in our nations is being taken to exhibitions and events in the form of the Swift Bronzes by JOEL.

Bronze Swift by JOEL - Captured above the Roofs

    "It is so important that the message for action to help this and so many species reaches out to people who may not be aware of the bird that zips over their heads each year, or the creatures that are so often hidden from our view. By having the Bronze of the Swifts, captured in detail and available to see, study and touch and feel - I hope that our hearts are moved to want to do something more to keep our planet diverse and protected.  

"The provision of homes for Swifts is one action so easily achieved as we design, build and renovate our buildings." says Joel.


 The display of detailed portraits of birds is available to experience at venues during the next two years.  

Follow the Sculptress JOEL on Facebook Twitter  and through her website.

The Swift Bronze was selected for the Leicester and Rutland Wildlife Trust 60th Anniversary Exhibition at the Guildhall Leicester. It was enjoyed by visitors and they were invited to  "Gently Touch" the birds.

Swift Conservation Award Appeal

Help make the Swift Conservation Award happen - to donate 
  call the Tenon Studio 01664 454 987

photo by pau.artigas

Swift numbers are falling rapidly 

and their nest sites need protection

What the Awards will do

Raise awareness of the need for the conservation of the Swift

Raise support for  Swift Conservation in Cities and Counties 

Celebrate the heroes of Swift conservation

Encourage  Swift conservation stories in the media

Swift Conservation at Countryfile Live

'Flying' at the Wildlife Zone - The new Swift Bronzes by JOEL helped to draw people to discover more about this special bird and Swift conservation projects they can support.

Swifts in Bronze by Sculptress JOEL at BBC  Countryfile Live 2016

Visitors could discover the differences between Swifts and Swallows and to find out how carefully siting Swift boxes helps these birds to breed.

Thanks are given to the Swift Action Group, the folk at BBOWT and staff of CountryFile Live for all their help during the show.

Find out more about Swift Conservation and the Swift Conservation Award
Contact the Tenon Studio  01664 454987