Wildlife

Wild Barn Swallow Farmland Insects

Barn swallows depend on aerial insects found over farmland, and agricultural insecticide use has dramatically reduced prey availability.

Key Facts

UK swallow populations have declined by 36 percent since 1970
Swallows require thousands of aerial insects daily to raise two broods per season
Agricultural intensification and insecticide use have reduced flying insect biomass by over 70 percent
Swallows travel 10,000 km from sub-Saharan Africa to breed in the UK each summer
Provision of open cattle byres and stable access maintains nesting sites

Welfare Considerations

Swallows unable to find sufficient insects face prolonged breeding failure and chick starvation. Food stress during breeding causes physiological compromise in both adults and dependent chicks.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that reduce insecticide use on farmland
Advocate for insect-friendly farming policies that maintain aerial prey for swallows
Provide open access to farm buildings for nesting swallows where possible