Wildlife

Wild Barn Swallow Nest Site Provision

Provision of nesting access in farm buildings and open structures directly supports barn swallow welfare by replacing lost nest sites.

Key Facts

Barn swallows nest on rafters and ledges in open-sided farm buildings
Modernisation of farm buildings with closed designs eliminates nest sites
Access holes of 50mm in otherwise closed buildings allow swallow entry
Artificial ledges and nest cups in open structures provide alternative nest sites
Swallows show high site fidelity, returning to successful nest sites year after year

Welfare Considerations

Barn swallow nest site loss from building modernisation causes welfare costs through failed breeding attempts by site-faithful pairs unable to find alternatives. Installing access holes and nest structures is a low-cost, high-impact welfare intervention that directly enables breeding success for returning swallows.

What You Can Do

Install swallow access holes (50mm) in farm buildings during renovation
Provide nest cups or artificial ledges in open outbuildings
Support Swallow Conservation Group monitoring and guidance