We were delighted to read of Nick Dixon’s success, in the spring/summer edition of RSPB’s Nature’s Home magazine, in increasing the numbers of Swifts that nest in his Devon village. When he moved to Drewsteignton in 2000, he noticed that there were only 2 of these fascinating birds in his neighbourhood. However, following a programme of installing nest boxes (there are nest boxes recommended for swifts on the swift-conservation.org homepage), the village provided homes for at least 26 breeding pairs of Swifts last year, who between them produced 35 chicks that fledged and embarked on the long journey south as our summer faded. This heart-warming success story reminded us of how much human intervention can help to support nature, at low cost, rather than to damage or destroy it.
We also realised that architects and developers could provide suitable nest locations for Swifts and thus assist this species to continue to thrive, whilst improving their reputation for improving biodiversity and assisting applications for planning approval, simply by installing Swift Nesting Bricks. Designed to allow rapid access by an airborne Swift, and to protect the nest and its contents from predators, two of these bricks could easily be installed under the eaves on opposite faces of new-build or refurbished houses, offices, schools or warehouses. As long as there is an unobstructed flight path to and from the nesting brick, it could very soon be adopted by one of our summer visitors. More detail on Swift Nesting Bricks can be obtained from the Swift Conservation Society’s pdf.
We shall certainly be recommending this in our survey and appraisal reports where building developments look as if they could improve the prospects for this lovely bird.
Swifts are migratory birds who follow the seasonal increases in insect populations across the world. Spending most of their year in sub-Saharan Africa, they usually visit the UK only for late spring and early summer to breed before returning home, often leaving their offspring to follow on in due course. Other than when nesting, Swifts spend their lives on the wing, even sleeping in flight, and are most commonly seen tightly wheeling and screeching overhead as they chase airborne insects and parachuting spiders. The species has existed for millions of years and traditionally nested in cliffs, caves, hollow trees and nest holes made by other birds, but adopted many of our structures as housing and industry expanded. More recently, the use of insecticides has unfortunately led to decreases in their food sources, and modern building techniques have reduced potential nest locations.
If you think we could help you with surveys or mitigation measures for your development project, please do not hesitate to contact us.
JP Ecological Services 
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