We’ve recently installed a series of new swift nesting boxes on one of our housing sites to help protect one of the UK’s most iconic summer visitors.

Every year, swifts fly thousands of miles from Africa to raise their young. But their numbers have dropped because modern buildings don’t offer many suitable places for them to nest. By putting up special nesting boxes, we’re creating safe new spaces for these incredible birds to return to year after year.

The new boxes are set high on the building to give the swifts the conditions they naturally look for when they arrive in late spring.

One of our managers, Chris, has swift boxes at his own home and explains why they matter:
“Swifts are amazing birds, but they struggle to find places to nest now. I’ve seen at home how quickly they’ll use new boxes once they find them so it’s lovely seeing them return every summer. 

These new boxes will give them a real chance and hopefully tenants will soon spot them flying overhead and hear their calls.”

This work is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting wildlife and boosting biodiversity across our communities. As well as helping a threatened species, the boxes also bring a bit of joy to residents who often look forward to seeing the swifts arrive, a real sign that summer is on its way.

We’ll be keeping an eye on the boxes during nesting season and hope the birds find them quickly. If all goes
well, we’ll look at putting up more boxes in other suitable areas in the future.