Wildlife

Swallow Welfare and Farm Building Access

Swallows are closely associated with farmland and traditionally nest inside barns and outbuildings, making them vulnerable to building modernisation and loss of open access points.

Key Facts

UK swallow population declined by around 30% since the 1970s
Nest almost exclusively in barns, stables, and open farm buildings
Require open access points as sealed modern buildings exclude them
Insects over livestock areas provide key foraging habitat
Long-distance migrants wintering in southern Africa

Welfare Considerations

Swallows that arrive in spring to find their barn sealed cannot breed. Loss of traditional farm buildings with open access points has reduced nesting opportunities. Installing purpose-built swallow nest boxes inside renovated buildings provides welfare-positive solutions.

What You Can Do

Leave small access points in farm buildings for swallow entry
Install swallow nest ledges inside buildings where nests cannot be maintained
Record swallow colonies for BTO Breeding Bird Survey
Support agri-environment schemes that maintain traditional farm buildings
Reduce pesticide use to protect farmland insects