Recommended Nest Boxes and Locations

Before we begin, did we mention that swift bricks last the lifetime of your building?

To understand why fitting artificial nests is vital to the survival of the species – please visit our Part – Bird Part – Sky page.

As swifts are site-faithful (the same pair return to the same nest every year), fitting swift bricks will always be our preferred option wherever possible. They’re in the building for life, more secure, thermally stable, and don’t degrade over time.

Swift bricks can be fitted into most brick or stone-built homes, and commercial or service properties. Please visit our Retrofitting Swift Bricks page for more information.

Swift bricks may not always be practical, making nest boxes an excellent alternative. Several models are available in a variety of colours, with some designs offering up to eight nesting chambers .

We only recommend the manufacturers listed below, as these robust boxes are built to endure generations of use – essential for swifts, a long-lived species that returns to the same nest every year.

Nestworks – ONLY AVAILABLE WITHIN SHEFFIELD
1 UPVC Box (white or anthracite) + Swift Caller + Fitting: only £99.

 Action for swifts UPVC Model 30: From £31 – £140 plus VAT & delivery. Available in black, white or plywood.
 Action for Swifts Polymer Swift Box:  £41 plus VAT & delivery. Available in grey, stone or sandstone.
Impeckable: £86 – £500. Available in any RAL colour.
Peak Boxes Gen #2: £52 – £97 plus delivery.

Choosing a suitable location

Qualified local fitter Jan from Nestworks

Although we do not sell any products, we offer support at every stage of the ordering and fitting process.

For free, bespoke, no-obligation advice, please email your address, and photos of every elevation of your property  – make sure to step back so we can see any potential obstacles.

If fitting is required locally, contact our highly recommended fitter Jan from Nestworks who would be more than happy to give you a quote for fitting. 

  • Property must be at least 4.5 metres high (2 storeys)
  • Have a clear 5 metre flight path free from trees, neighbouring buildings and extensions
  • Avoid siting artificial nests where predators can perch or climb
  • Avoid south-facing elevations or spots exposed to direct sunlight for most of the day
  • If scaffolding is going up, plan ahead –  it’s a great time to add a safe place for swifts to nest.

Fit a swift caller. They’re worth their weight in gold.

From £24 – £160 plus delivery – or make your own!

Visit our swift callers page for stockists and advice about when to play calls.

To attract swifts, install a swift caller near your nest boxes. These devices play calls that help draw young swifts. Most come with pre-loaded sounds and are easy to set up – just mount them as close to the nest entrance as possible and plug them in indoors. They play a crucial role in any artificial nest set up.