Wildlife Welfare

Wild Swift Nest Box Installation

Swift populations are declining rapidly due to loss of nesting sites in modern buildings. Nest box installation is one of the most effective individual welfare and conservation actions.

Key Facts

UK swift populations have declined by 60% since the 1990s
Swifts return to the same nesting sites each year and lose colonies when renovations remove access
Nest boxes installed on buildings can attract new colonies within 1-2 years
Swift bricks integral to building fabric provide permanent nesting opportunities
Swift colony call lures played in season help attract birds to new nest sites

Welfare Considerations

Swift nest site loss causes breeding failure and colony decline with direct welfare consequences. Installing nest boxes provides individual birds with secure breeding habitat that can serve generations of swifts.

What You Can Do

Install swift nest boxes on your home following RSPB guidelines
Play swift call lures during the breeding season to attract prospecting swifts
Report swift colonies to local Swift Groups to protect sites from renovation
Advocate for swift bricks to be required in new building planning conditions