Barn swallows are migratory farmland birds that have declined significantly and depend on traditional farm buildings and insect-rich habitats for their welfare.
Swallows that cannot find suitable nesting buildings or adequate insect food experience breeding failure and may fail to successfully raise chicks. Modernisation of farm buildings removing eaves and open doors eliminates nesting sites that families have used for generations. Farm management that maintains livestock and hedgerows provides the insects that swallows need. Simple measures including providing swallow nest cups and keeping doors open maintain nesting access.