Swift Nesting Bricks Target Installed By Barratt Developments Achieved

In response to swifts returning to UK skies this summer, Barratt Developments, the UK’s largest housebuilder, has been installing nesting bricks into its homes since 2016.

Supporting wildlife in new housing developments helps give nature a home in partnership with the RSPB.

In this partnership, swifts in trouble all over the UK will have new homes to call their own. Over the last 20 years, the UK’s swift population declined 58%, which was considered a conservation concern by the UK red list last year.

In older buildings or rooftops, swifts make their nests in urban environments. Due to modern construction methods and the demolition of old buildings, the number of swift nesting sites has decreased, resulting in the species’ serious decline in numbers.

A partnership between Barratt Developments and the RSPB has seen the installation of special swift nesting bricks into new homes’ external walls since 2016.

Barratt has announced that by 2025 it will install 7,000 swift bricks into its homes after achieving its 4,000 swift bricks goal over the past 6 years. 

During their 3,400-mile migration to nest and raise their young in the UK, swifts announce the arrival of summer every year.

They can reach speeds of up to 69mph in level flight, and for the first three years of their lives, they don’t touch the ground. The birds continue to stay in the air, eat, mate, and even sleep after they reach adulthood.

Download Swift Mapper And Learn More About Iconic Birds

Swift Mapper has also been developed by the RSPB in collaboration with Swift Local Network and Charity, Action for Swifts, allowing anyone to record swift activity and nesting sites.

Swift Mapper helps people learn more about this iconic species and target conservation efforts. On the App Store or Google Play Store, Swift Mapper can be downloaded, or it can be accessed online at www.swiftmapper.org.uk. 

Daniel Smith, Managing Director at Barratt Developments Yorkshire East, said:

“Swifts are such important birds. We are pleased with the 4,000 swift bricks we have installed so far. But, we have to keep on working hard with the RSPB to give these birds even more homes.”

“This is why we are raising our target by another 3,000 swift nesting bricks, aiming to install some 7,000 in total in our homes across the country by 2025. We hope that this new target will help us to continue to give nature a home.”

The East Riding of Yorkshire is the home to multiple developments by Barratt Developments, including Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes. To learn more, go to: www.barratthomes.co.uk.