Wildlife Welfare

Wild Swift Conservation and Nesting

Common swifts are declining UK summer migrants whose welfare depends on nesting access in older buildings that is being lost through renovation and modern construction.

Key Facts

UK swift populations have declined by 58% since the 1990s
Swifts are aerial specialists that spend almost all their lives in flight except at nest
They return faithfully to the same nest site year after year
Modern building renovation destroys nest access points unless swift bricks are incorporated
Swift towers and nest boxes have been successfully used in some areas to compensate for nest loss

Welfare Considerations

Swift welfare depends on maintaining access to traditional nest sites in buildings. Renovation that seals nest access points destroys breeding opportunities for birds that have no alternatives, making building-stage mitigation the critical welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Install swift bricks or nest boxes on your house, especially during renovation
Advocate for swift nesting mitigation requirements in planning permission for renovation
Monitor your local swift colony and report numbers to the RSPB Swift Mapper