The Scottish Parliament has voted to require swift bricks in all new buildings, making Scotland the first part of the UK to mandate the measure. The bricks, which cost around £35 each, provide nesting cavities for swifts and other endangered birds. The law was backed by the Scottish government and MSPs across parties, following an amendment by Scottish Green Mark Ruskell.
The move contrasts with England, where the Labour government rejected a similar amendment last year, opting instead for non-binding planning guidance. Campaigners have criticised this as insufficient, noting that a University of Sheffield study found 75% of bird and bat boxes required by planning conditions were not installed.
Minister Gillian Martin welcomed the decision, highlighting that swifts have declined by 60% in Scotland since 1995 and are now on the red list of conservation concern. Ruskell expressed hope that the legislation would inspire other UK nations to follow suit, saying it was frustrating to see Westminster take years to consider such a simple measure.
The bricks will become mandatory after a 12-month consultation to establish building standards. They also benefit other cavity-nesting birds like sparrows, starlings, and house martins. In Gibraltar, similar bricks have helped swift populations recover.
Wales rejected the measure last year, arguing developers might use it to claim biodiversity benefits without other measures. However, campaigners stress the bricks are a vital step to address the loss of nesting sites due to renovations and insulation.
