A guide to installing swift bricks on your home

Four species of cavity-nesting birds – swifts, house martins, starlings, and house sparrows – are on the red list of endangered British birds. This means they are at serious risk of extinction. One major cause of their decline is the loss of nesting sites due to modern, energy-efficient homes. Better insulation and sealed soffits have removed the cracks and crevices that once provided ideal nesting spaces. However, there is an easy and effective way to help: swift bricks.

What Is a swift brick?

A swift brick is a specially designed, hollow brick that is built into the walls of new houses. It provides safe nesting spaces for swifts and other cavity-nesting birds. Unlike external nest boxes, swift bricks are part of the building structure. This makes them a long-lasting and unobtrusive solution to habitat loss.

External swift boxes, usually wooden can also be fitted under the eaves if you are unable to use the integrated brick version.

Where do swifts build their nests?

Swifts traditionally nest in the eaves and roof spaces of older buildings. They often return to the same spot every year. As these spaces become less accessible due to modern construction, swifts struggle to find safe nesting sites. This has contributed to their population decline.

Where should you place a swift box?

The placement of swift bricks or boxes is key to their success. Here are some general guidelines:

• Height matters – Install at least five metres from the ground to keep nests safe from predators.
• Avoid direct sunlight – North or east-facing walls are best to prevent overheating.
• Keep flight paths clear – Swifts need easy access, so place bricks away from windows, vents, or obstacles.
• Colonies are best – Swifts are social birds and prefer to nest in groups. Installing multiple bricks, 50-100cm apart, increases the chances of use.

How to make a swift nest box

If you want to help swifts, you can make your own nest box or buy a ready-made option. Here’s what you need:

• Material: Use weather-resistant wood like exterior plywood.
• Size: A typical swift box should be around 30cm wide, 15cm high, and 15cm deep.
• Entrance hole: A 28mm x 65mm oval hole is ideal.
• Mounting: Place the box under eaves or on a high wall, following the placement guidelines above.

Our commitment to swift conservation

We recognise the urgent need to protect swifts and other cavity-nesting birds. That’s why, from 2024 onwards, we’ve committed to installing an average of one swift brick per home on all new Thakeham Homes developments. This ensures every home we build provides a safe nesting space for swifts, aligning with the Future Homes Hub’s ‘Home for Nature’ commitment.

Supporting Hannah Bourne-Taylor’s campaign

We are proud to support Hannah Bourne-Taylor, a passionate conservationist leading the campaign to make swift bricks mandatory in new housing developments across England. This movement presents a golden opportunity to stop wildlife decline by ensuring every new home contributes to the survival of these remarkable birds.

Join us in helping swifts

Installing swift bricks is an easy and effective way to support endangered birds. If you’re a homeowner, developer, or policymaker, you can help secure the future of swifts. For more practical advice, explore our gardening guide and learn how to create a nature-friendly home.

Together, we can make a lasting difference for swifts and other wildlife. Let’s build a future where nature thrives alongside our homes.