Wildlife

Wild Swift Conservation and Nest Site Provision

Swifts are declining rapidly as modern building practices eliminate traditional nest sites.

Key Facts

UK swift populations have declined by 60% since 1995
Swifts nest almost exclusively in buildings, under eaves and in wall cavities
Modern buildings provide no nest sites without specific provision
Swift boxes and nest bricks can be retrofitted into existing buildings

Welfare Considerations

Swifts returning from African wintering grounds to find their nest sites destroyed face urgent reproductive failure. They cannot quickly find alternative sites and may fail to breed that year. Pairs that have used the same nest site for years return to find it sealed during renovation, suffering the acute welfare cost of unsuccessful return and failed breeding. Nest site provision is direct individual welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Install swift nest boxes or bricks before swifts arrive in May
Ask builders and architects to include swift bricks in renovations and new builds
Support RSPB and Action for Swifts campaigns
Advocate for planning requirements to include swift nest provision in new developments