Swifts in the UK have been declining rapidly over the past decades, with a population decrease of around 53% between 1995 and 2016. It is thought that the destruction of suitable nesting habitat is a core reason for this decline, and many councils are now advising swift bricks be used in new-builds and renovations.
This build-in nest box is designed to be integrated into the cavity of a building. It is constructed from long-lasting WoodStone and built to match standard UK brick dimensions. Swift boxes should be sited at least five metres high on a non-south-facing wall, with a clear flight path from the entrance. It can be used in a rendered wall as it has a flat Woodstone front to render to, although a former should be used to ensure the entrance hole does not get filled with render or reduced in size.
Swifts are colony breeders, so it is recommended that multiple boxes be sited together with at least 40cm distance between entrance holes.