Wall works in Trancoso threaten Portugal's largest swift colony

Environmental groups warn that renovation works on the medieval wall of Trancoso, carried out by company Monumenta and the local council, are destroying nesting sites of common swifts during their breeding season. The colony, believed to be the largest in Portugal, nests in gaps between the wall's stones, which the works are permanently sealing. Nine organisations, including Rewilding Portugal, Quercus and SPEA, say this breaches wildlife protection law and have asked authorities including GNR's SEPNA and ICNF to halt works, so far without effect. They cite other Portuguese municipalities that pause similar works during nesting season and are demanding immediate suspension and mitigation measures.