Swift Awareness Ride: Wings Over South Manchester

Join us for a guided cycling tour through Manchester, honoring the incredible journey of Swifts—birds that travel over 6,000 miles from sub-Saharan Africa to the UK each spring. These remarkable creatures spend most of their lives in flight, only landing to nest and raise their young. However, their numbers have declined by over 60% since 1995, primarily due to habitat loss and reduced insect populations.

Starting from Brunswick Park on Oxford road the route meanders through Plattfields Park, Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Chorlton Water Park, and loops through Burnage and Withington, visiting known Swift nesting sites and community conservation projects.

Our 14-mile route will take you to key Swift hotspots across Manchester, including areas where local communities have implemented conservation efforts. The ride features mostly paved surfaces and includes some segments where cycling is not permitted, requiring brief dismounts. Expect a mix of cycleways, streets, and natural paths on mostly flat terrain.​

Experience the thrill of cycling while learning about the Swifts' lifecycle, their importance to our ecosystem, and how you can contribute to their conservation. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a nature enthusiast, this ride offers a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife and community initiatives.​

This ride is brought to you in collaboration with the RSPB Swift City Project and Manchester University ambassadors team

@RSPBManchester @RSPB Greater Manchester

Ride to celebrate Swifts’ epic journey & raise awareness of their decline. Join us to visit Swift spots across Manchester this June!

Our 14-mile route will take you to key Swift hotspots across Manchester, including areas where local communities have implemented conservation efforts. The ride features mostly paved surfaces and includes some segments where cycling is not permitted, requiring brief dismounts. Expect a mix of cycleways, streets, and natural paths on mostly flat terrain.​

Please, bring water to stay hydrated, lock & card/cash for the cafe stop, clear / sun glasses to protect your eyes agains insects. Waterproofs if rain is forecast and suncream if it's sunny.

We never leave anyone behind