This document provides information for developers on conserving swifts, a fast-flying bird species that nests in urban areas. It outlines why swifts need assistance due to difficulties nesting in modern buildings, lists examples of good conservation practices in the UK and Europe, and provides three easy steps developers can take to install nesting places at minimal cost: 1) separating existing eaves colonies from loft spaces, 2) building new hollow eaves with small access holes, and 3) inserting concrete nest boxes into walls above the second floor. Contact information is also provided for advice on swift conservation projects.

1. Swift Conservation Information for Developers
Swifts are the UK's fastest bird, here
colony is a good option for introducing
What it will cost
only in Summer. They nest in buildings, in Ready-made concrete Swift Bricks cost £22
biodiversity to a site.
small holes in the eaves or upper walls. They each from Jacobi Jayne Ltd on 0800 072
feed on flying insects. They thrive in cities 0130. Pigeons cannot use them. You can
and towns, and fill the evening with their Examples of Good Practice install 10 for a 20 Swift colony suitable for a
aerobatic flight and elfin calls. They are Local Authorities in West Sussex, Aylesbury block of flats for just £220. Install Swift
clean, exiting and add life and interest to any and Camden are active in preserving and Bricks in a landmark development, and create
area. Their calls mean Summer is here. installing Swift nest places. In Europe, Zurich a cultural feature that will give your building
and Amsterdam have policies in place,backed its own permanent signature.
by simple and effective legislation, preserving
Why they need your help
Swifts rarely nest in post-1944 buildings, nor
their Swift populations.
Questions? Help is available!
in refurbished older buildings, as they cannot London's Swifts advises on nest-place
gain access. But minor and economical Three Easy Answers location, design, and installation. We provide
modifications can assure their breeding 1.Preserve existing eaves colonies by sketch plans,and specifications, source
success. separating them from adjacent loft space materials, and advise at site and planning
with a ventilated plywood screen. meetings. Just ask and we will do our best to
2.Build hollow eaves just for Swifts, with help you. Our advice is free.
Why you should do it suitable small access holes.
For a minimal cost and effort developers can
preserve inner-city Swift populations, and
3.Insert concrete "Swift Brick" nest boxes
(as illustrated) into the walls at two storey
Contacts
animate and improve the local atmosphere. See our website for useful information and
height and above (but not in full sunlight!)
Just like flowers and trees, Swifts bring life contact us with any questions you may have or
to any site. for help with your projects.
Web site www.swift-conservation.org
What you can do e-mail mail@swift-conservation.org
Installing permanent features that Swifts will
nest in is easy. With no need for maintenance
or cleaning, installed at minimal cost, a Swift © Edward Mayer / Swift Conservation 2008