Research by the British Trust of Ornithology shows that the swift population has declined by 60% between 1995-2020.
With swifts on the red list of conservation concerns, David Wilson Homes has committed to protecting the species at the Finchwood Park development in Finchampstead, with more than 30 bird boxes installed on site.
The housebuilder has partnered with the wildlife charity RSPB to develop a unique ‘swift brick’, the first custom-designed nesting brick for swifts that can be safely implemented into the fabric of homes at their new build developments.
Each bird box and swift brick installed on site contains a narrow space with an entry
hole, imitating the typical habitat that the birds usually nest in.
As a creature of habitat and long lifespan, swifts will return each year to the habitats created, which enables them to nest efficiently and safely.
Seen in the UK from April until September, swifts make their appearance from Africa to
the UK to breed.
Migrating 3,400 miles twice a year, the bird also stops off at Portugal and France on its route. The breed rarely touches the ground, sleeping, eating and bathing on its wing as it flies.
The RSPB has also partnered with the Swift Local Network and charity, Action for Swifts, to develop Swift Mapper – a web and app-based platform that allows anyone to record swift activity and nesting sites.
Records submitted to Swift Mapper help people to learn more about this iconic species and target conservation efforts. Swift Mapper is available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store or can be accessed online at https://www.swiftmapper.org.uk.
The housebuilder is also encouraging residents to download the app and track the swifts as they move into their new homes at Finchwood Park.
David Wilson Homes has also signed up to a new initiative to support wildlife on its new
developments.
The Homes for Nature commitment will see a bird-nesting brick or box installed for every new home built, as well as hedgehog highways created as standard on every new development taken through planning from September 2024.
Alex Dowling, sales and marketing director at Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties,
said: “As we continue to build new homes across the South, it is important we
incorporate effective ways to protect wildlife at our developments.
“With more than 30 bird and bat boxes at Finchwood Park, we are proud to protect nature and create safe habitats for swifts to use in the long term.”
