Swift bricks petition - Protect the Wild

Make Swift Bricks Mandatory in All New Buildings

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Subject

Letter

Dear Ministers,

I’m writing as a concerned member of the public who cares deeply about Britain’s wildlife—and in particular, the rapid decline of one of our most extraordinary summer visitors: the swift (Apus apus).

Each year, swifts return to the UK from Africa, flying thousands of miles to nest and raise their young. But as modern building methods seal up the nooks and crannies that these birds rely on, their nesting sites have disappeared. Since 1995, swift numbers have fallen by over 60%, and they are now on the UK’s Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern.

There is a simple and effective way to help: swift bricks. These unobtrusive, affordable bricks are built into the walls of new buildings and provide the safe, permanent nesting spaces swifts need. They cost little, require no maintenance, and can also benefit bats and other bird species.

Some councils and developers are already installing them voluntarily—but unless they are made mandatory, the vast majority of new buildings will exclude swifts entirely.

What I’m Asking
As a member of the public, I’m calling on the Labour government to:

Mandate the inclusion of swift bricks in all new housing, public buildings, and major developments through updated national planning policy or building regulations.

Issue central guidance requiring Local Authorities to make swift bricks a standard condition of planning approval.

Incorporate this policy into your broader mission to restore nature and build a greener future.

Why This Matters
Swifts are an irreplaceable part of our summers—and their loss reflects a wider crisis for UK biodiversity.

This is a rare example of a conservation action that is affordable, scalable, and shovel-ready.

Installing swift bricks won’t delay developments or increase costs for buyers—but it could make a critical difference for a species in decline.

I believe that the new government has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to take practical action for wildlife through smart planning. Please help bring swifts back to our skies by making swift bricks a standard feature of new construction.

Sincerely,

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