Common Swift Urban Welfare and Nest Site Conservation

Common swifts are in steep decline across the UK, losing nest sites to building renovation at a faster rate than they can find new ones. Protecting and creating swift nesting opportunities is urgent.

Key Facts

Common swift populations have declined by over 50% in the UK since 1995, largely due to nest site loss
Swifts nest almost exclusively in buildings, entering through small gaps under eaves and around roof tiles
Modern building renovation that seals all gaps eliminates nesting sites that swifts have used for generations
A breeding pair of swifts produces 2-3 chicks per year and is extraordinarily site-faithful
Swifts spend virtually their entire life on the wing, only landing to nest — they are among the world's most aerial birds
Swift nest boxes and integrated nest bricks have been successfully adopted in new build and renovation projects

Welfare Considerations

Swift decline from nest site loss is a welfare problem at the individual and population level. Breeding pairs returning from Africa to find their traditional nest site sealed face the loss of an entire breeding season, sometimes after years of investment in a particular site. The prevention is straightforward — requiring nest site retention in planning conditions costs almost nothing and prevents significant ongoing welfare loss.

What You Can Do

Install swift nest boxes on your home or office building, ideally 5 metres or higher
Notify your local authority planning officer if swift nest sites are threatened by building work
Check for swift nest sites before undertaking any roof or eave renovation work
Join your local swift group and contribute to nest site recording and monitoring
Advocate for planning policies requiring swift bricks to be incorporated in new buildings
Play swift call recordings near nest boxes in May-June to attract prospecting birds