Highlands & Islands Swift Survey - How else can you help Swifts in the Highlands?

Highland Biodiversity - The Variety of Life

Highlands & Islands Swift Survey

How else can you help Swifts in the Highlands?

Make your home Swift Friendly

Typically, the gap that allows Swifts access needs to be no more than 35mm high and 65mm wide. Most nest sites are at least 5m above ground and all have a clear airspace outside the entrance hole to allow the birds to gather speed as they leave. It is easy to provide Swifts with access to the roof. You can see some tips in the attached leaflet, courtesy of Action for Swifts - Swifts and Domestic Properties leaflet (pdf file).

Nest boxes

Nest boxes or in-built nest cavities are an easy and low-cost way of creating new nest sites for Swifts. There are a variety of models that can be installed in or outside your house and can be obtained from the following suppliers:

Jacobi Jayne, Tel. 01227 714 311, www.jacobijayne.co.uk
Jamie Wood Products, Tel. 01323 727 291, www.birdtables.com
CJ Wildbird Foods Ltd, Tel. 0800 731 2820, www.birdfood.co.uk

Renovations

If Swifts already nest in your home, please note where they nest and avoid any building work that will block or remove their nesting site. If planning renovations to your property where you know Swifts are nesting, please avoid carrying these out during their breeding season (May to August).

New Structures

Concrete Swift nesting bricks, designed to fit in with UK brick/block sizes can be incorporated in the walls of new buildings as they are built.

Property owners, builders, architects and planners: the Concern for Swifts leaflet has more detailed relevant information courtesy of Action for Swifts.