How can I help?

I'd like to encourage swifts to nest at my property

Help swifts by adding swift nest sites - either with a brick or a box. Whether your house is old or modern, you can help swifts by installing swift boxes.

 
Swift boxes can be purchased from Action for Swifts or from Peak.

 
If you are a proficient DIYer you could make a swift box yourself. See this guide from the Bristol swifts group on how to build a box including a nest cup inside the box where the female will lay the eggs.

 
This guide from bird lover and campaigner Helen Lucy shows you how to install the box.

As swifts are social birds they are attracted to a potential nesting site by the call of birds already sitting on a nest. Setting up a call system which plays a built-in recording of a swift call is a common and helpful practice when putting up a new box or brick. Call systems are usually powered from the mains but can alternatively be powered from a solar panel. They can be purchased from ebay for example.

I'm planning a new build or extension

If you are having a new house built or a  2-storey extension added to your house it's an ideal opportunity to have swift bricks incorporated into the building. These are hollow brick-faced boxes, so they match your external finish, and provide a nesting site for swifts. Ideally a building will meet certain criteria such as ground clearance of 4-5m for a good chance of attracting swifts. If you need further advice please contact us. 

I have swifts nesting at my property

I'm planning some maintenance work. What should I do?

The main thing to remember is to avoid blocking or restricting access to any nest sites, for example if the birds access via holes in the mortar or under soffits etc.  These holes can be surprisingly small, so please check carefully.  There is more information in this guide to safeguarding swifts in your property.  

Also, be aware that scaffolding, which could block access to swift nests, should not be erected between the end of April and early September.