Wildlife

Wild Swift Nesting Site Loss and Recovery

Conservation of common swifts facing catastrophic nesting site loss through building renovation, and efforts to provide nest boxes.

Key Facts

Swift populations have declined by over 60% in the UK since the mid-1990s
Loss of nest sites through building renovation is the primary driver of decline
Swifts return to the same nest sites year after year for decades
Swift nest boxes installed in houses and purpose-built towers are effective replacements
New building regulations in some areas now require swift bricks to be installed

Welfare Considerations

Swifts that return from Africa to find their nest sites destroyed face severe stress and breeding failure. Preventing nest site loss through building regulations and providing alternatives through swift bricks is a high-priority welfare action.

What You Can Do

Install swift nest boxes or swift bricks on suitable buildings
Advocate for swift nest site protection requirements in building renovation planning
Join your local swift conservation group to map and protect colony sites