Following the news that the swift has been added to the UK Red List of endangered birds, with a Welsh population decrease of 72 per cent witnessed between 1995 and 2018, will the Minister confirm what discussions the Welsh Government has undertaken to review whether a species recovery action plan is required?
I acknowledge and share your concerns over the decline in Swift numbers, which are symptomatic of the general decline in biodiversity. Tackling the nature emergency is a top priority in the Programme for Government.
Investment in actions through the Nature Networks Programme and Natur am Byth over the next three years will build on current actions to help Swift numbers. This includes provision in the design of the Caernarfon / Bontnewydd bypass through collaboration with NRW and stakeholders to directly benefit endangered species including Swifts, the installation of Swift boxes by the North Wales Wildlife Trust and the erection of a Swift Tower in Cardiff bay.
My officials have held initial discussions with NRW about the need for specific species related actions. We are required to refresh the Nature Recovery Action Plan (NRAP) following COP15 later in the spring, and will consider then whether a specific species action plan is required alongside the overarching NRAP.