Wildlife

UK Swift Conservation and Urban Nest Sites

Conservation of swifts in UK urban environments and the management of nest sites in modern buildings.

Key Facts

Swift populations declined by 57% in the UK between 1995 and 2015
Swifts are highly dependent on cavities in old buildings for nesting
Swift bricks and nest boxes can compensate for lost nest sites in renovation
UK swifts spend 10 months of the year in flight, never landing outside the nest
Planning guidance in some UK areas requires swift nest site provision in new buildings

Welfare Considerations

Individual swifts depend on specific nest cavity locations and return to the same site each year, making nest site loss a direct welfare and reproductive harm.

What You Can Do

Install swift nest boxes or swift bricks on suitable buildings
Support Swift Conservation and local swift recording groups
Advocate for swift nest site protection in planning policy