Wildlife

Swift Conservation and Welfare in the UK

Common swifts are in steep decline across the UK, facing welfare challenges from loss of nest sites and insect food availability.

Key Facts

Common swift populations have declined by 53% since 1995 in the UK
Swifts nest almost exclusively in buildings and lose nesting access during renovation
A single swift can eat thousands of aerial insects per day
Young swifts left without food for more than 3-4 days are unlikely to survive
Swift nest bricks built into new construction provide permanent replacement habitat

Welfare Considerations

Swift welfare is tied to the availability of nest sites and aerial insects. Building renovation that seals nest sites evicts breeding birds and condemns chicks to starvation. Planning conditions requiring swift bricks in new construction and renovation projects provide permanent nest habitat. Insect decline from pesticide use and habitat loss reduces food availability for parent birds and dependent chicks.

What You Can Do

Install swift nest boxes on south-facing walls of your property
Support planning requirements for swift bricks in new construction
Reduce pesticide use in gardens to support insect food sources for swifts
Join local swift surveys to monitor population trends
Donate to Swift Conservation and Bat Conservation Trust for nest site support