Firstly a quick video to provide abit of background….

Swift Bricks are cheap and easy – get in touch – we’d be very happy to help

Have you considered installing ‘Swift Bricks’ – an integrated swift nest space – into your next project? They’re a durable, low cost (£15 – £70) and maintenance free solution to avoid the loss of this incredible bird.
Including these integrated nest units with a fascia of your choice into your buildings would be great for your eco credentials, which we’d be more than happy to promote on all our social media outlets and our website.

Swifts are a real hot topic, and their potential extinction is causing international widespread concern. This is evidenced by the fact that these bricks are now widely available commercially, and councils – like Sheffield City Council – are increasingly requesting their inclusion as a component of their Biodiversity Net Gain strategy.

The inclusion of swift bricks into new buildings nationally, has also been discussed in the House of Parliament. This is Kerry McCarthy MP, Shadow minister for climate change and MP for Bristol East https://fb.watch/iEUQSszJll/

Get in touch. We could feature your project on our website and social media platforms, add you to our preferred traders list, and promote your services both locally and nationally (plus you’d be saving an ancient bird species from imminent extinction win, win, win!)
Sheffield Swift Network have featured in the media regularly including The Guardian, BBC Radio, the Sheffield Telegraph & BBC Look North.

The NHBS website provides a very comprehensive list of available nest bricks (for swifts and other species) here.

Swift Conservation provides a similar list here. (Some scrolling is needed to get the swift brick section, starting with Ibstock Brick Co)
and installation advice with case studies here.
A printable guide to brick locations and swift bricks can be downloaded below (© Edward Mayer@SwiftConservation):

FAQ

What is a swift brick?
A contained nest box just deep enough to sit within the outer and inner layer of your building. They can be produced with a fascia to match the surrounding outer surface. Don’t confuse swift boxes with swift bricks. Bricks form part of your building. 

How much will they cost?
Prices start from as little as £15 per brick – to around £70.

What about the mess?
THERE’S NO MESS! Swifts don’t poop in their nests so once installed in the fabric of your building, the bricks need no further attention.

How many should I install?
Install 2 – 4 Swift Bricks on a medium to large house, from 4 to 10 on a small block of flats, and 10 to 40 on a large site like a school, hospital or warehouse.

Where should they be positioned?
Swift bricks should be positioned 5 metres or more above ground and if possible out of direct sunlight . Install them in a straight line, or in a pattern under the eaves or across a vertical wall away from windows.

Please send us details and pics or even videos of your swift bricks being installed. We’d love to share.

© Simon Stirrup, Edward Mayer, Heather Ball