Scotland has become the first part of the UK to legally require swift bricks in all new buildings, after the Scottish Parliament voted to mandate the measure to help endangered cavity-nesting birds. The amendment, backed by the Scottish government and cross-party MSPs, makes the hollow £35 bricks compulsory for new dwellings 'where reasonably practical and appropriate'.
The move contrasts with England, where Labour rejected a similar amendment last year, opting instead for non-binding planning guidance. Campaigners have criticised the lack of legal obligation, noting that a University of Sheffield study found 75% of bird and bat boxes required by planning permission were not installed. Wales also rejected mandatory swift bricks in 2023.
Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell, who proposed the amendment, said: 'Swifts join our communities every summer, but they are becoming rarer everywhere. I’m looking forward to seeing every new building in Scotland host a family of swifts in the future.' Minister Gillian Martin highlighted the species' 60% decline since 1995, placing it on the red list of conservation concern.
Hannah Bourne-Taylor, a national campaigner for swift bricks, called the decision a 'landmark victory' and urged England, Wales and Northern Ireland to follow. Lord Goldsmith, who has tabled amendments in the House of Lords, said: 'It’s only taken Scotland one month to decide to mandate swift bricks, proving how easy it would be for England to finally mandate too.'
The bricks will be introduced after a 12-month consultation to establish building standards. They also provide nesting for sparrows, starlings and house martins. In Gibraltar, similar measures have helped swift populations recover, according to Environment Minister Prof John Cortes.
