Wildlife

Wild Swift Welfare Urban Nest Sites

Swifts are in rapid decline with loss of nest sites in modern buildings a primary driver requiring urgent welfare-focused intervention.

Key Facts

Swift populations have declined by around 60% in the UK since 1995
They nest almost exclusively in cavities in older buildings lost during renovation
Swift bricks and nest box installation provides nest sites in new and renovated buildings
Swifts are faithful to nest sites returning to the same location each year

Welfare Considerations

Swifts failing to find suitable nest sites cannot breed, representing a welfare failure at population scale. Loss of buildings with cavity access is a human-caused welfare problem with human-implementable solutions. Swift brick installation during building renovation is a practical, low-cost welfare and conservation intervention.

What You Can Do

Install swift nest boxes or bricks when renovating or building
Play swift call luring recordings to attract prospecting birds to new sites
Advocate for swift-friendly building design requirements in planning guidance