On 21 & 22 June 2025, Bon Volks presents Swift Weekend - a free, two-day programme celebrating the return of Margate’s swifts and the vibrant biodiversity around us. From creative family workshops and nature walks to expert talks and community swift-surveys, the weekend invites all ages to connect with local wildlife in imaginative and meaningful ways. The Swift Weekend is a programme that uses a returning swift colony to highlight the ecological systems at work in our neighbourhood and to explore our community’s relationship to them. It’s an invitation to think more deeply about how to protect and cherish our local biodiversity. It reimagines our communities' relationship to nature, provoking a sense of stewardship and deepening a sense of place. It’s an opportunity to reimagines our relationship with nature through hands-on making, observation, and collective action.
This expands on our Swift Guardians project started in 2023 and developed into the Swift weekend in 2024. You can find more information about the Swift project here.
These pilot projects allowed us to test ideas, develop partnerships, and understand what resonates with our local community.
Check out the recent press coverage of the Swift projects in Margate Mercury, Spring 2025.
Bon Volks Swift Weekend 2025
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Swift boxes
At Bon Volks, we want to help creating more habitats by constructing swift boxes to attach to the back of our buildings. We started the Swift Guardians project in 2023 and we want to continue providing nesting places for our feathered friends. Join us to learn how to build the perfect box for the swifts to nest in. All materials are retrieved from our Circular Margate programme and you’ll leave the session with a box ready to use.
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Swiftstake
Take part in our online ‘swift-stake’ on social media and guess the swifts’ arrival date on Dane Park Road in Margate. We have partnered with Little Swift and Youngs Nurseries who are kindly sponsoring the draw offering vouchers to win.
All you have to do is pick an arrival date and let us know in-person or here!
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Swift talk
Join us for an illustrated talk celebrating what makes these birds so extraordinary. Swifts spend almost their entire life on the wing, but all is not right in their world. Find out how we can all help them.
Free event (20 places available, please book via the link)
Please let us know if you have any access needs via the booking form. -
Community Litter Pick
Join us for a community litter pick-up as we care for the spaces we call home. A simple, powerful way to support local wildlife, meet neighbours, and take pride in our shared environment. Gloves, bags, and good vibes provided!
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Biodiversity walk
What can we do to support our urban biodiversity?
Join us for a walk around our neighbourhood to discuss what we can do to improve biodiversity and enhance our access to thriving green spaces.
This will be an open discussion, where we would be pleased to hear what the neighbourhood wants from its green spaces and how Bon Volks can help you achieve that.Please let us know if you have any access needs via the booking form.
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Swift Headdress workshop
Calling all young creatives!
Join us for a fun and imaginative swift headdress-making workshop, where you’ll design and create your very own bird-inspired head piece. Using colourful materials, feathers, and lots of creativity, you'll craft a headdress that captures the speed and elegance of swifts in flight. This hands-on session is a great way to explore nature through creative making. No experience needed - just bring your imagination and get ready to soar!
2 hr session
Suitable for children aged 7 - 12 and their parents
Free workshop (16 places available, please book via the link)
Please let us know if you have any access needs via the booking form. -
Swift surveys
Join Rachel Boot (representative of the Margate Swift group, part of the Swift Local Network) to conduct a swift survey, this is a chance to connect with nature, learn about local swifts, and contribute to conservation efforts, all through the power of observation!
Sign up here for the swift survey.
Interested in joining us during the Swift Weekend for a swift survey?
Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly!