Fwd: Advice re preventing swifts from injuring themselves

[Graham Cowley]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Julie Cowley <julieco...@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 15 Mar 2026 at 17:46
Subject: Re: Advice re preventing swifts from injuring themselves
To: <ma...@swift-conservation.org>, <swiftsloc...@gmail.com>

I am seeking advice please?

This building was largely destroyed in a recent fire.  Swifts nest on the building (Grade II Listed so it will be restored as was which is a good thing) and as you can see there is scaffolding up and the works are anticipated to take five years (not so good).  The roof is completely gone so their nest sites aren't viable.  Our first concern is that when the swifts return they will do their utmost to access the building.  Have you got any suggestions as to how the builder can prevent them from doing so without causing them harm please?  The rest of the building (to the right of the photo) is still intact (and about the same width as the damaged part) and I am hoping that the swifts will relocate their nest sites to that part.  

Unfortunately we do not know how many pairs nest on the building.  

Thanks very much.

Julie Cowley

Swifts in the Strettons

[Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group]

Firstly i would be asking the builders to encase the scaffolding with an ecowrap prior to the swifts return to prevent the swifts striking the scaffold which i assume is 'covering' the original nest sites.  The ecowrap also lessens the likelihood of them recognising the building and trying to enter what just isnt there anymore. Is there any way temporary external swift nest boxes can be installed on the other part of the building obviously without damage as it is listed?  I would be  talking to those in charge about reinstating the original nest sites in to the renovation.  This is more than possible and there would be different options and possibilities depending on the work to be done it just needs the decision makers to listen. 

Cally