Wildlife Conservation

Wild Swift Population Decline and Nest Site Protection

Swifts are facing population decline across Europe. Nest site loss through building renovation is a primary driver. Nest brick schemes and planning protection are enabling recovery.

Key Facts

UK swift population has declined by approximately 60% since the 1990s
Swifts return to the same nest site year after year and cannot adapt quickly to site loss
Swifts spend virtually their entire life airborne except during breeding
Swift bricks installed in new and renovated buildings provide permanent nest sites
Planning requirements for swift bricks in new buildings exist in several UK local authorities

Welfare Considerations

Swift welfare and conservation is threatened primarily by human renovation activity that destroys irreplaceable nest sites. Building-level intervention to include swift bricks is a high-impact action accessible to all homeowners and developers.

What You Can Do

Install swift nest boxes or bricks on suitable buildings before renovation
Advocate for swift brick requirements in local planning policy
Support the RSPB Swift Survey and Action Network