Common swift recovery requires action across the entire annual cycle from British nest sites through migration to African wintering grounds.
Swift welfare cannot be addressed in isolation within national borders because individuals spend most of their year outside Britain. The integrated welfare approach spans nest site provision creating breeding opportunities, insect-rich habitat in Britain supporting chick development, safe migration through southern Europe and adequate wintering habitat in Africa. Each link in this chain represents a welfare intervention point where the probability of individual swifts completing their annual cycle successfully is affected. International cooperation through AEWA and engagement with communities in wintering countries addresses welfare needs that cannot be met through domestic action alone.