Wildlife

Swift Colony Welfare in Urban Buildings

How to protect urban swift colonies and the welfare challenges they face in modern buildings.

Key Facts

Swifts nest almost exclusively in buildings in the UK
Loss of nesting access through building renovation is the primary population threat
They return to the same nest sites every year
Swift bricks and nest boxes can replace lost cavities in renovation projects

Welfare Considerations

Swift welfare in urban environments depends on maintaining access to nest sites. Building work during the nesting season (May-August) can trap or kill chicks. Welfare-informed renovation installs swift bricks before blocking old cavities, avoids works during nesting season, and plans for colony retention from the start of projects.

What You Can Do

Install swift bricks or nest boxes on south or east-facing walls
Plan building work outside the May-August nesting season
Report swift colonies to local wildlife organisations before undertaking renovation