Municipality and Contractor Install Nest Boxes Near Valkebruggen

Councilor Erika Spil (Public Space Management, Sustainability, and Environment), Jolien Schroot (D66 city council member), and Roel Gomes (Gebr. Schouls) hung four nesting boxes for swifts on Wednesday, February 2. They did so to celebrate the completion of the first of two bridges on Valkeweg. The nesting boxes are made of the sustainable material Woodstone, a mixture of wood fiber and concrete.

From left to right: Roel Gomes (Gebr. Schouls), Jolien Schroot (D66 city council member), and Alderwoman Erika Spil (Public Space Management, Sustainability, and Environment) are hanging up nest boxes for swifts

The municipality has been working on replacing the bridges for several months now. The St. Catharina Bridge is nearly complete, and work on the second bridge has begun. This means that the renovation of the bridges is proceeding right on schedule. As indicated, the work is expected to be completed by April 1.

Swift

The idea to install the nest boxes came from City Councilmember Jolien Schroot. In consultation with an expert, they determined what type of boxes would be best suited for installation near the St. Catharina Bridge. Partly due to the heavy traffic at that location, nest boxes for swifts were identified as the best option. Common swifts typically seek nesting sites in cavity walls and under eaves and roofs. However, such nesting sites are becoming increasingly scarce due to renovations and retrofitting with insulation. The construction company Gebr. Schouls was very enthusiastic about the idea and therefore offered to sponsor the nesting boxes.