Swifts in flight © Volunteer Gary Eisenhauer
A swift recovery
We're protecting swifts and you can help!
Swifts are inspiring creatures, and we try to use the wonder they generate to engage people with the challenges they face, including that of insect decline, an issue often overlooked. Swifts have declined by 72% in Wales since 1995, and their 2021 inclusion on the Red List has focussed attention on the real threat of their disappearance. But they’re not gone yet, and since they depend on us for the non-airborne part of their lives, we feel they’re a species we should be able to help – by protecting existing nest sites, providing boxes or bricks – and campaigning for action on insect loss.
Why do we want to protect swifts?
Swifts’ aerial, globe-spanning life-stories are awe-inspiring, and their presence in summer brings urban spaces alive, connecting people to the skies. We believe that swifts disappearing from our streets would be a tragic loss, and that getting people involved in conserving them locally can have real benefits – for individuals and communities – as well as swifts! Because they nest in buildings, we can try to help them in our own villages and towns. Local knowledge and local action can make a difference.
What are we doing?
NWWT have been working to help swifts since 2014. General swift decline was observed in N Wales as elsewhere, but accurate information was scarce, so we set up the Swift Recovery page on Cofnod, our local record centre. This now holds over 1,800 records, including crucial detail on swift nests vital for their protection, and for targeting swift nest-box provision. Since 2014 we’ve installed over 700 boxes on public and private buildings, gaining expertise working with builders, architects, local authorities and homeowners, and promoting inclusion of swift bricks in new developments.
When funding’s allowed, we’ve organized walks, talks, surveys and ‘Swift Half’ events, as well as training workshops for ecologists who work in the planning system. We set up a Facebook group, and take part in UK Swift Awareness Week every year (usually the first week of July). Over the years we’ve grown an enthusiastic network of local swift champions, volunteers, and swift hosts, and worked closely with Councils, Housing Associations and the National Park.
In 2023, we received a grant from Swire Charitable Trust to fund our Swift Action project. During 2024, in collaboration with Wrexham County Borough Council, we will be placing 100 nest boxes on suitable buildings across the county, and running volunteer training events in the area. This work is funded by Welsh Government’s Local Places for Nature programme.
Legislate for swifts
We are calling for legislation to ensure that swift bricks are installed in all new buildings in Wales. Swifts nest in holes in buildings. Renovation makes them homeless, and new-builds currently offer no cavities. Without more nesting options, swifts will disappear. Incorporating swift bricks into all new developments would help swifts (and other struggling birds like house martins and sparrows) to recover. We need 10,000 signatures in order for this to be considered for debate in the Senedd (Welsh Parliament).
How you can help
Act for swifts in your own community, and help these amazing birds to thrive alongside you.
Send in your swift sightings
We’ve created a special webpage to record swifts on Cofnod – please use it to tell us where you’ve seen them. This is vital for conservation!
Survey your local swifts
We want to find out how swifts are faring in your village or town, and can train you to help. An hour or so observing swifts on fine spring or summer evenings – what could be better? Here's our guide to conducting your own self-guided swift survey.
Spot scaffolding!
Swift nest sites can be lost if their holes get blocked as part of building work, e.g. wall re-pointing or roof repair. If you hear of planned work where you think swifts nest – or if you see scaffolding going up there, please contact NWWT – we may be able to help. If work’s happening between May and August, it’s important people know it’s illegal to disturb birds at their nest. Sometimes people are unaware of swifts nesting in their house – we encourage them to value swifts and protect their nests.
Scaffolding can be an opportunity – to install swift boxes – see below!
Make a home for swifts
Consider putting swift boxes up, or creating spaces they can nest in at your home, school or workplace – whenever there’s scaffolding up, there’s an opportunity! Use swift call recordings to attract prospecting pairs. Swift Conservation can offer advice.
Boxes built-in
The best long-term solution to swifts’ housing crisis is to incorporate internal nest-boxes or ‘swift bricks’ within new-build developments. They’re sustainable, low-maintenance, easily installed during building, and have a high take-up rate. Please help us promote them to planners, developers and builders in your local area.
Follow the family...
In 2023 we installed a nest camera in one of the boxes we put up on Bangor University’s Craig Mair building in Menai Bridge. This allows us to track the fortunes of a swift pair through the season. You can keep up to date with all of the action by following us on Facebook, where we share videos throughout the breeding season.
