Masham Swifts

Did you know that there are over 90 swift nest boxes located in Masham, many will be at private houses but some you will be able to spot as you walk round the town. Eighteen have been sited at St Mary’s Church on the north side of the tower behind the louvres. All this is thanks to the Mashamshire Swift Conservation Community Project which was founded in 2018. Masham is a small market town of about one thousand inhabitants just on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale, there’s plenty of free parking and now a couple of electric charging points can be found in the Market Place.

To compliment the work of this project there are ten sculptures to be found, most done by talented artists who live close by, dotted around the town. Wander round and not only can you look out for these sculptures but you can also see some of the wonderful architecture that Masham has. Stroll along Silver Street, Church Street and College Lane, Millgate, Chapman Lane. Enjoy listening to the swifts as they swoop and screech their summer song whilst you’re relaxing with a ‘cuppa’ or a pint in the large Market Place.

Many of the buildings have changed from their original purpose for example, the old Police House in the Little Market Place is now the Community Office, number 9 a few yards aways was the George and Dragon pub and coaching house. Ivy Dene next to the Kings Head hotel initially used for staging balls, later became Masham’s old people’s care home. Seek out the Victorian Gothic alms houses on Chapman Lane which still continue to provide homes for Masham’s elderly.

For further information and all sorts of interesting facts to be found about swifts, Masham and where to find the sculptures call in at the Community Office to pick up a leaflet called ‘Find the Masham Swifts’. We hope you enjoy!

We do have cottages in Masham, Badger’s Holt to sleep 6, Magnolia Cottage to sleep 4, Forge Cottage to sleep 2 and lots of other cottages close by to the town. Do call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 to book over the telephone and for friendly help and advice or of course book online if you prefer on the Country Hideaways website.