Wildlife

Wild Swift Nesting Building Protection

Common swifts are in serious decline in the UK. Protection of nesting sites in older buildings and promotion of swift bricks in new developments are essential for recovery.

Key Facts

UK swift population has declined by over 60% since the 1980s
Swifts are building nesters, returning to the same site year after year
Building renovation and renovation destroys nesting voids that have been used for generations
Swift bricks integrated into new buildings provide permanent, purpose-built nest sites
Swifts spend their entire lives on the wing except when nesting

Welfare Considerations

Swifts evicted from nesting sites by building renovation lose breeding opportunities and must spend energy finding alternative sites. Eviction during the breeding season directly harms chicks. Planning requirements for swift bricks in new buildings combined with protection of nesting sites in renovated buildings prevents displacement and supports population recovery.

What You Can Do

Install swift nest boxes or bricks on your property
Advocate for swift brick requirements in local planning policy
Join a local Swift Conservation group and participate in nest monitoring