The inclusion of swift bricks — purpose-built nest spaces integrated into new building construction — is an increasingly important intervention to offset the loss of traditional swift nesting sites.
The loss of nesting opportunities through building renovation is the primary driver of swift population decline in urban areas. Swift bricks represent a simple, permanent and low-cost solution. The welfare benefit to individual swift families over decades is substantial, and population-level effects of widespread adoption would be significant. Planning policy mandating swift bricks in all new residential builds would have the largest impact at lowest cost.