Wildlife Welfare

Wild Barn Swallow Farmland Insect Welfare

Barn swallows depend on flying insects for food. Their population decline reflects the collapse of farmland insect communities caused by agricultural intensification.

Key Facts

UK barn swallow populations declined by 46% between 1970 and 2019
Swallows require 200-plus insects per hour to feed growing chicks
Insect biomass has declined by 75% or more in European farmland since 1990
Wildflower margins and reduced pesticide use support insect recovery
Farm buildings with swallow access are critical nesting resources

Welfare Considerations

Swallow chicks in territories with collapsed insect prey face starvation. Parent birds must travel progressively further to find adequate prey, increasing their own energy expenditure. The insect decline driving this welfare harm is reversible through farming practice change - wildflower margins, reduced pesticides, and diverse crop rotations all support insect recovery that directly benefits swallow welfare.

What You Can Do

Maintain wildflower margins and insect-supporting habitat on farmland
Reduce pesticide use through integrated pest management
Keep barn doors accessible for swallows during breeding season
Advocate for agri-environment payments that support farmland insect recovery