17th September 2026 • The HERALD • Page 69 v READ THE HERALD ONLINE: www.herald-publishing.co.uk v LJM Bookkeeping Services I provide a range of accounting and business services to individuals, partnerships, charities and small businesses. I am licenced through the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers for the following services. Bookkeeping, Computerised Accounting Software, Final Year End Accounts, Payroll Management, CIS, VAT, Self Assessment Tax for Individuals and Construction Industry Scheme, Statutory Accounts for Small Businesses including Corporation Tax and related submissions, Holiday cover can also be provided for, hourly rates charged. Please contact Lynda McIntyre Email: ljmbookkeepingservices@gmail.com Telephone: 07774 790543 ASK A PROFESSIONAL Housebuilder Commits To Install 10,000 Swift Bricks By 2027 A local housebuilder is stepping up its commitment to supporting one of the UK’s most threatened summer visitors, with plans to install swi bricks across new homes by the end of 2027. Barratt David Wilson Homes Southampton division, is the UK’s largest housebuilder and part of the wider Barratt Redrow group. e commitment to installing more swi bricks will see more purpose-built nesting spaces incorporated into its developments across Hampshire, helping to provide much-needed habitats for the birds. e Barratt Redrow group has already purchased more than 9,000 swi nesting bricks for installation since 2016, surpassing its previous target of 7,000 bricks by 2025. Swi s return to the UK each summer a er completing a remarkable 7,000mile migration to breed and raise their young. However, their numbers have declined by around two thirds since 1995, with the species now listed on the UK’s red list of conservation concern. Barratt Redrow has been working with the RSPB since 2016 to install specially designed swi bricks within the external walls of new homes. e bricks provide a safe, discreet nesting space without a ecting the appearance of the property. e initiative is particularly important as modern construction methods and the loss of older buildings can reduce the opportunities available for swi s to nest. Residents can also play a role in helping to protect the species through Swi Mapper, a web and app-based platform developed by the RSPB in partnership with the Swi Local Network and Action for Swi s. e platform allows members of the public to record swi activity and nesting sites, helping to build a better picture of where the birds are breeding and supporting e orts to protect existing nest sites. Adam Quayle, Technical Director at Barratt David Wilson Homes Southampton division, said: “Swifts are an iconic part of the British summer, but their numbers have fallen dramatically in recent decades. By incorporating swift bricks into our homes we can play a practical role in supporting their recovery while creating places where both people and nature can thrive. Reaching our previous target was a significant milestone, but now we are aiming to achieve 10,000 by the end of 2027 – creating lots more homes for this amazing bird.” With swi s now back in Hampshire’s skies for the summer, Barratt Redrow’s latest commitment will help ensure new homes can provide a lasting place for these iconic birds to return to year a er year. Swift bricks
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