A colony of protected birds have been saved by the quick thinking of a roofing specialist and a local housing provider.

A large number of swifts were found nesting in the roofs and eaves spaces of houses in Lee during refurbishment works.

The birds' future looked to be in jeopardy as nest clearing for refurbishment has played a part in the dramatic decline in London swift numbers.

But roofing specialists Breyer Group and their employers, Lewisham Homes, took steps to protect the birds.

First they sought advice from Lewisham Council, the Forest Hill SE23 & Lewisham Borough Swifts Group, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and the International Swallows and Martins & Swifts Forum.

Then they rescheduled refurbishment works. When the work did start they temporarily removed parts of scaffolding that would have blocked the swifts flight paths. They also put out boxes to provide nesting spaces for the birds.

Duncan Johnson, contracts manager at Breyer Group, said: “We put the environment at the heart of our work, so Breyer Group is delighted to do what we can to help protect swift colonies.

“We will continue working closely with our partners to avoid the swift nesting season wherever possible, and on completion of works will leave a legacy of nesting spaces on local homes.”

Rebecca Headd, of the Forest Hill SE23 & Lewisham Borough Swift Group, said: “We would like to say thank you for the amazing response to the nesting swifts.

“This priority species is in rapid decline, and the actions of Breyer Group and Lewisham Homes have saved one of the largest colonies of swifts in Lewisham.”

Members of the public can help swifts by installing swift boxes and reporting sightings to the Forest Hill SE23 & Lewisham Borough Swift Group on 07772 290 891 or via its Facebook page.