On 10 July, Defra ministers had it within their power to commit to making swift bricks compulsory in new housing – a step which could make a real difference to the future of Swifts in the UK. Their failure to do so is an utter disappointment.
The parliamentary debate in Westminster Hall saw MPs from all sides speaking passionately in support of the motion, which was taking place after 110,000 people like you signed a petition put forward by author and nature campaigner Hannah Bourne-Taylor.
Both Minister Dehenna Davison MP and Shadow Minister Matthew Pennycook MP spoke at the debate, but what they offered falls far short of what’s needed.
Swifts only spend a few months in the UK each year, migrating here from Africa every spring to raise their young. But these aerial masters are now on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern in the UK. Their numbers fell by 62% between 1995 and 2021. The reasons behind their decline are not yet fully understood but loss of suitable nesting sites is part of the problem. They usually nest in small gaps high up on buildings and when buildings are renovated or demolished, Swift nests are lost.
This is where internal swift bricks come in. These are an easy and cheap way to provide nest sites for Swifts that can be simply included in new housing developments or fitted into existing buildings. When they are, research shows they are help not only for Swifts, but other wildlife, including Red Listed species such as House Sparrows, Starlings and House Martins.
We’re in the grips of a nature emergency. Declining Swift numbers are just one issue among many, and time is running out. We need clear leadership now and for the UK Government and shadow front bench to step up and take action for nature.
We don’t give up easily and Hannah’s #TheFeatherSpeech campaign highlighting the dramatic decline of Swifts in the UK will continue. Together with leading scientists, artists and other supporters, the RSPB will keep pushing for Swift boxes to be made mandatory in every new build. Follow Hannah on Twitter for her latest updates.
Hannah’s campaign has shown we can have a powerful voice for nature when we speak up together. Join us as a RSPB campaigner and we’ll give you guidance and support to fight for the nature issues you care about most.
