Wildlife

UK Swift and Bat Urban Habitat Sharing

How swifts and bats share urban building habitats and management of cohabitation for welfare of both.

Key Facts

Swifts and bats often use the same building features for roosting and breeding
Both can be accommodated in building renovation with appropriate swift bricks and bat boxes
Swift and bat habitat sharing requires planning to avoid conflict between species
Cohabitation is natural and common in old buildings with multiple roost opportunities
Planning guidance recommends considering both swifts and bats in building renovation

Welfare Considerations

Both swifts and bats face welfare risks from building renovation without mitigation, and planning that provides for both species delivers maximum welfare benefit.

What You Can Do

Install both swift bricks and bat boxes when renovating suitable buildings
Commission surveys for both bats and swifts before building renovation
Advocate for combined swift and bat provisions in planning guidance for renovation