Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and Common Swift Nesting 2026

Common swift populations have declined significantly, with nest site loss a primary driver and nest box provision a key welfare intervention.

Key Facts

UK common swift populations have declined by 60% since the 1990s
Swifts return to the same nest site every year - building renovations destroy irreplaceable nest sites
Swift bricks installed in new buildings cost less than 10 pounds each and are increasingly required
Swift nest box tubes attract prospecting swifts in areas of natural decline
Swifts spend their entire lives on the wing except when nesting, making nest sites critical

Welfare Considerations

Swift nest site loss drives population decline and prevents successful breeding. Installing swift bricks and boxes is a direct, effective welfare and conservation intervention.

What You Can Do

Install swift bricks or nest boxes on suitable buildings
Advocate for swift nest site inclusion in building regulations
Report swift sightings and nest sites to your local swift conservation group