Wildlife

Swift Nestbox Schemes: Supporting Colony Welfare

Nestbox schemes are the primary conservation intervention for declining urban swift populations, providing artificial nest cavities lost through building renovation.

Key Facts

Swifts are entirely dependent on cavities in buildings for nesting
Renovation works frequently destroy swift colonies
Purpose-built swift boxes can establish new colonies within 5 years
Sound lures broadcasting swift calls increase nestbox uptake
Over 10 percent of UK swift population may use nestboxes

Welfare Considerations

Poorly installed or maintained nestboxes can overheat or become inaccessible. Boxes must be sited at appropriate height and orientation to be accepted. New colonies face disturbance risk in years before human habituation occurs.

What You Can Do

Install BSS-recommended swift nestboxes on your building
Join Swift Conservation voluntary survey schemes
Campaign for swift bricks to be mandatory in new builds
Donate to Swift Local Action Groups (SLAGs)