Do you have Swifts nesting in your roof? Future proof those precious nests against inevitable roof repairs.

Skip to How to Tell if Swifts Are Nesting in Your Roof. 
Swifts are facing significant declines in the UK, and one of the primary causes is the loss of their traditional nesting sites – our roof spaces. 

Your roof will require replacement over time, and in most cases, Swifts’ nests are lost. 

Walls however, remain stable structures where Swift bricks can be retrofitted close to original nest entrances, thus providing alternative long-term, maintenance-free nesting sites. Installing bricks well ahead of any roof works, will allow Swifts time to become familiar with them and may even grow your colony! 

Install Swift Bricks – in the building for life! 

This approach could protect Swifts from the loss of natural nesting spaces caused by roof repairs and contribute to their conservation.

• Swift bricks are built into the walls, and provide long-lasting, maintenance-free nesting spaces that mimic natural sites
• Swift bricks do not allow birds to enter the house interior; they have external entrances only, ensuring no disturbance to the building’s interior

Where to position Swift Bricks

Swifts will return to the exact nest site, so precise placement is crucial. To gauge exactly where to position the Swift bricks:

• Observe your Swifts over a season and pinpoint exactly where they enter their nests
• Install a Swift brick directly beneath – or as close as possible to this entrance to ensure returning birds can find the new site
• Do not block or hinder the original entrance

Can I fit more Bricks?

Yes, Swifts are colonial nesters and prefer to nest in groups. Installing bricks in groups increases the chance of establishing a new colony, supporting more birds. Fit as many as you can afford.

• Cluster Swift bricks in groups of 2–4, with at least 1 metre between each brick 
• Swift bricks should be installed as high as possible (min 4.5 metres), ideally under the eaves or verge, to protect from weather and provide clear airspace for direct flight
• Install a Swift caller – essential to attract Swifts to the bricks – details here

Buying and fitting instructions

The Action for Swift S Bricks are great for retrofitting. You can fit them yourself, your builder/roofer can fit them, or we can provide you with details of a qualified and fully insured installer. 

• Action for Swifts: Swift bricks £38 + VAT.  Full details can be found on their website here
• To order, contact Becky at Action for Swifts on 07535 270077, or email becky@actionforswifts.com
• Fitting instructions here
• Email us for FREE bespoke advice  

How to tell if Swifts are nesting in your roof

To identify if Swifts are nesting in your eaves, look for these signs:

• Watch here for Swifts flying fast and low near your roof, often in groups and screaming loudly; this ‘screaming party’ usually indicates a nearby nest
• Observe if Swifts fly up to your building and vanish into holes under roof tiles, in eaves, or soffits – these entrances are nest sites
• Use the Call and Response method full details here 

What more can I do to help Swifts

Report your nest sites to Swift Mapper to help conservation efforts and protect nests.

Our Contact and Social Media information can be found here.