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The Sheffield Swift Network are appealing to developers, planners, ecologists and architects to stipulate Swift bricks in planning conditions and ecological enhancements before we lose this ancient species from Sheffield’s skies for all time.

Why install Swift Bricks?

Not all birds nest in trees. Many species rely on the cavities in our buildings to have the next generation.
Suitable nest sites in existing buildings are rapidly disappearing as they are refurbished, extended and demolished.
Due to the dramatic loss of nest sites, four ‘building dependent’ bird species – namely Swifts, House Sparrows, Starlings and House Martins – are now on the ‘red list’ of birds of conservation concern.
Swift bricks offer vital nesting opportunities for building dependent birds.
Swifts declined by 66% between 1995 and 2022 and continue to fall 7% per year.
Despite this disturbing decline, this vital habitat has been completely overlooked by the national mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) methodology.

Image 1: 49 Million years © Ulrich Tigges, Image 2: Red list of conservation concern © BTO

Swift bricks – they’re not just for swifts

A number of bird species nest in Swift bricks such as House Sparrows, Starlings and Swifts. In addition, other popular garden birds will utilise the nest bricks.
There is widespread evidence that House Sparrows choose Swift bricks over sparrow terraces.
Nest boxes designed for smaller species are not suitable for Swifts or Starlings. A far better strategy is to:
Provide a greater number of Swift bricks in developments to cater for all.
The British Standard and CIEEM both recognise Swift bricks as a universal nest brick which caters for multiple species.

How many nest bricks should be installed?

Swift bricks should be installed at a minimum ratio of 1 Swift brick per dwelling as recommended by The British Standard BS 40421 for Integral Nest Boxes, and Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)’s best-practice guidance.

Where should swift bricks be placed?

We would be happy to look over your plans and offer advice. Get in touch.

• Minimum ratio of nest bricks to dwellings is 1:1 (1 brick per dwelling on average for each new development).
• Bricks can be installed singularly, or grouped together in clusters. Clusters are usually preferable.
• If siting bricks in clusters, position them a minimum of 1 metre apart where space allows.
• Bricks should be a minimum of 4.5m above ground and close to eaves or adjacent to the roofline if possible.
• Bricks can be positioned to face a north or east, and also a west elevation providing there is no driving rain.
• Southerly facing walls are acceptable for masonry-fronted nest bricks. Shaded beneath eaves is preferable.
• A 5-metre clear flyway is advised away from obstructions (e.g. trees and adjacent buildings).
• Avoid siting bricks directly above windows or doors to avoid potential conflict with residents.
• Avoid siting bricks where predators can perch or climb.
• We advise caution is taken when stipulating combustible Swift bricks, particularly for buildings over 11 metres in height.
• Unless stated otherwise by an ecologist, to ensure maximum species universality, please ensure an entrance of 32 x 65mm is stipulated. Standard brick entrances of 28 x 65mm are too small for Starlings.
• House Martins are known to nest in Swift bricks, however there is not enough evidence yet to assume Swift bricks are an adequate replacement for House Martin nest cups.
  

The British Standard for swift bricks, BS42021 has up to date guidance on choosing and installing Swift bricks. Guidance is only available by subscription. Key elements are summarised in the NHBS blog.
Further installation guide and FAQs have been published by Action for Swifts.

Commercially available Swift bricks

From as little as £25 + VAT each, a wide variety of inexpensive bricks are available for each building type. (Technical specifications for each are listed on page 14 of the previous link). A choice of commercially available bricks can also be found on the NHBS website.
The ‘S Brick’ from Action For Swifts @ £36 + VAT is easily integrated into most constructions and can use brick slips to perfectly match the building façade. They’re available in two depths to suit typical modern cavities of 100mm (masonry construction) or 50mm (timber frame).

The future of this ancient species is in your hands

The Sheffield Swift Network will happily advise on plans, or visit your organisation to deliver a tailored presentation and bring along samples of new products to market that we believe to be effective. We also offer short CPD sessions, in person, or via Zoom or Teams. Email us if you have any questions or if you would like us to visit your organisation.

You can also view and download a printable Swift brick reference guide here: