Sheffield organisation urges homeowners to install device in bid to prevent swift population from plummeting

An organisation is calling for homeowners to install a special brick to their homes in a bid to curb the decline of swifts in Sheffield.

As more swifts lose their homes from housing developments, a new campaign wants homeowners to install ‘swift bricks’ to their outside walls.

Sheffield Swift Network is an organisation that aims to halt the decline of the swift population in the city.

The organisation is made up of individuals from across Sheffield who share surveys on where the birds are nesting, install specially designed swift homes and even help to rehabilitate injured swifts.

Ann Ellis, a member of the network, said: “The group wants to conserve and protect the swifts that come to Sheffield and to hopefully increase their numbers.

“Their numbers have declined by about 50% in the last 15 to 20 years.”

Swifts pair for life and once they have a nest, it’s imprinted on their brain and come back to that same nest each year.

But developments on houses have meant the small gaps in the eaves of roof, where the swifts rear their chicks, are being covered when new insulation is being installed.

Ann said: “If the nest has been blocked up, they will keep trying to get in, so quite often the swift will break its wings and die.”

The organisation wants to make homes more swift friendly and say the best way to do this is by installing ‘swift bricks’ which are specially designed homes that can be retrofitted into the brick work.

Jan-Erik Bullett, who helps the organisation install the bricks, said: “It probably seems quite daunting at first, but they are designed for DIY fitting. The company we use ‘Action for Swifts’ is very helpful and will even match up the colour of your brick.”

The bricks cost between £30 and £40 and are easy to install with a few tools and some mortar.

You won’t even notice them moving in, as the swifts like to keep their nest clean and hidden from predators.

If a brick can’t be installed on the property, Jan said that “just drilling a hole to the right shape in the plastic soffit will free up some nesting space, which will allow them access to where they traditionally nest”.

The Network also rehabilitates swifts and there are steps you can take if you see one struggling.

When handling a swift, make sure to wear gloves to avoid the spread of avian flu. Place it into a cardboard box and place a lid over the top with a few holes poked through.

If you want to give it some water, Ann said that “the best way is to dab a few droplets around the beak”, do not try to force it to drink.

If it is healthy enough to release, find an open field with no trees in the way and let the Swift fly from your hand. Do not attempt to throw it as that will disorientate it.

The Network also has an emergency helpline you can call on 07396712589. Someone from the group will come and collect the Swift and take it to their rehabilitation centre.

For more information visit where you can also donate.