Wildlife Welfare

Wild Swift Nesting Protection Welfare

Common swifts require nest holes in older buildings. Modern construction and renovation threaten their breeding sites with significant welfare consequences.

Key Facts

Swifts are legally protected and their nests cannot be destroyed without a licence
Building renovations destroy an estimated 3,500 swift nesting sites annually in the UK
Swift bricks incorporated into new buildings provide permanent replacement sites
Swifts return faithfully to the same nest site for decades
UK populations have declined by over 50% since 1995

Welfare Considerations

Swifts that lose nest sites to building renovation cannot breed - they spend the summer flying but fail to raise young. The loss of a lifetime breeding site for a bird that returns to the same location for decades represents a significant welfare impact at the individual level. Swift brick inclusion in renovation and new construction prevents site loss and enables continued breeding success.

What You Can Do

Incorporate swift bricks into any building renovation or new construction
Report swift nest sites to your local Swift Conservation group
Advocate for planning requirements for swift bricks in new developments
Learn about swift ecology and their remarkable life spent almost entirely in flight