Build a home

“The main driver of the decline in swift populations is lack of nest sites,” Stephen Moss says. “As we demolish or renovate old buildings, we take away the nooks and crannies swifts call home. They like to use the same site for life and they simply won’t breed if they find it’s been destroyed.” Here’s how you can help:

INTEGRATE

‘swift bricks’ – artificial cavities where the birds can breed – into new buildings. Or retro-fit them into old ones. Find out where to buy and how to install these at swift-conservation.org/ swift_bricks.htm. You can also sign a petition lobbying for swift bricks to be incorporated into all new-builds at 38degrees.org.uk (search save our swifts).

INSTALL

a nesting box on the wall of your house. You can buy Rspb-approved ones from shopping.rspb.org.uk or build your own (see box opposite). Position it five metres up, under the eaves or an overhang that protects from predators, out of direct sunlight and with clear access, as swifts prefer to fly directly in.

ENTICE

birds to nest with a call system. Available on CD, as an MP3 download or ‘swift call box’, this mimics the bird’s call and should be played morning and evening, May-july. All versions can be bought from swiftconservation.org.

LOBBY

your local church. Offering a sheltered spot that can’t be accessed by larger birds like pigeons, church belfries provide perfect conditions for nesting swifts. Many churches already have nest boxes installed but if yours hasn’t, suggest it. You can download more information and guidelines at actionforswifts.blogspot.com.