Hello, I’m Ann and I have just had a swift brick retrofitted on the side of my house at High Storrs.
It was fitted by Jan Erik Bullet of Nestworks. We are both members of the Sheffield Swift Network, and we both love swifts.

Why retrofit a swift brick?

Bricks last longer than wooden boxes. We know that swifts can live up to 20 years and are faithful to the same nest site. A brick gives longevity and commitment to the swift that its home won’t be taken down, or in the case of roof space nesters, accidentally destroyed by home improvements, such as new guttering or roof repairs. They are also more natural for swifts.

Can swifts get into the house via the brick?

No, swift bricks are self-contained, fire-proof boxes that fit into the bricks and cavity of your home. The entrance is external, and you won’t know that they are occupied.

Will swifts make a mess and do I need to clean out the bricks?

No, swifts are perfect guests. They do not poo in their nest as they don’t want to attract predators. Parents clean up after their chicks. The bricks do not need any maintenance at all.

How do I know what to order and where do I order one from?

1. Measure the depth of your cavity wall by putting (in my case we used a knitting needle) a long stick or screwdriver etc into the hole of an air brick. Or drill into the mortar between the bricks and measure the depth of the outer brick and cavity.

2. Take a photograph of your bricks if you want to colour match your wall, although swifts do seem to recognise darker colours more easily.

3. Go to ‘Action For Swifts’ website here.

4. There are 3 nest chamber depths depending on cavity width:

• For cavity ≥50mm: 130 chamber which come in 2 lengths: 1.5 and 2 bricks long
• For cavity ≥100mm: 175 chamber which come in 2 lengths: 1 or 2 bricks long
• For cavity ≥125mm: 200 chamber which is 1 brick long

I used the first type which looks like one and a half bricks at the front: see Action For Swifts website for brick designs.
This is assuming a standard brick depth of 102.5mm.

5. The bricks cost £38 each plus VAT and Postage. They are lightweight. Order the brick and send them a photo of your brick colour if what you want isn’t in store as standard. It may take a couple of weeks longer if it is made bespoke for your house. But it cost me no more than the standard colour brick.

6. If in any doubt call Becky at Action for Swifts on 07535 270077, or email becky@actionforswifts.com. They were very helpful. Full details can also be found on their website here.

Where to install

Sheffield Swift Network are happy to advise free of charge – just email photos of your home (all sides, taken from a distance) and we’ll recommend the locations. 

• At least 5 m high (around two storeys)

• Clear 5 m flight path – no nearby trees, extensions or obstacles

• Avoid walls with driving rain or full sun all day –  unless protected by wide eaves

• Keep nests out of reach of predator perches

If you have scaffolding up, it’s the perfect time to fit swift bricks.

Installing the brick yourself

If you have the equipment and are comfortable with ladders and tools, it is an easy job to do. See the step-by-step photos below of Jan installing a brick – and click on the instruction video at the bottom of this page.

Need someone to install for you?

Jan Bullett and his team from Nestworks is experienced in fitting swift bricks in brick and stone. Send photos of your property (all sides, taken from a distance) along with your address and contact number via WhatsApp 07988 755693 or complete an enquiry form on their website here.

Prices:

These apply to standard two-storey properties with typical eaves height and may vary depending on visibility and complexity. Jan will talk with you before his visit and also let you know which brick to order from Action for Swifts prior to installation.

Fitting only  (bricks are £38.50 plus VAT & postage)

1 brick     £100
2 bricks   £150
3 bricks   £200
4 bricks   £250

The installation illustrated

While Jan was installing my swift brick I also took the opportunity to have a couple of holes drilled into the underside of my soffit box to enable other birds to nest in there too, it’s a cheap and easy way to increase nesting options.

My house is swift ready!

Attracting swifts to your brick

You can attract swifts to your new home by installing a swift caller. They are worth their weight in gold. You can make them yourself of buy one [£24 – £65]. 
Fit the speaker outside –  as close to the brick entrance as possible – and plug them in inside.
Visit our swift callers page for more information.

Download our Homeowners Guide to Swift Bricks leaflet here:

Jan has since fitted bricks on a number of properties and this time we filmed it! See the video below…