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Habitats: Scotland Leads the Way as Swift Nesting Bricks Become Law

30 January 2026
By James Hamilton
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Image credit: Ben Andrew

​Scotland has made history by becoming the first country in the UK to introduce swift nesting bricks into law, offering a lifeline to one of the nation’s most remarkable yet declining birds.

The Scottish Parliament passed the Natural Environment Bill this evening, a move described by RSPB Scotland as a potential turning point for wildlife conservation. For the first time, the Scottish Government will be required to set legally-binding nature targets, and swifts are now one step closer to having more safe nesting sites. The new law includes a requirement for swift nesting bricks to be incorporated into new buildings, providing a durable, safe place for these aerial acrobats to breed.

Why Swift Nesting Bricks Matter
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Swift numbers in Scotland have plummeted in recent years, largely due to a loss of nesting sites in modern buildings. Swift bricks -- hollow bricks built directly into walls — offer a simple, cost-effective solution. At around £30 each, they provide a secure space for swifts and other cavity-nesting birds such as house sparrows, helping reverse the decline caused by urban development.

While similar legislation has struggled elsewhere in the UK, Scotland has taken the lead. Attempts in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have either failed or are still in early stages, making Scotland’s success a major conservation milestone.

A Lifeline for Scotland’s Swifts

​Dr. Paul Walton, Head of Species and Habitats at RSPB Scotland, highlighted the importance of the measure:"Swifts are incredible birds. Most of their lives are spent in the air, their speed and agility are breathtaking, and their screaming calls are a hallmark of Scottish summer. But their numbers have plummeted. In my part of Glasgow, no swifts bred in 2025 — a first in my 30 years here. It’s nothing short of heart-breaking."

Dr. Walton explained that providing nest sites directly leads to successful breeding. “Swift bricks are simple, cheap, and problem-free. With support from thousands of people who contacted their MSPs, this requirement is now law. The next government must implement it urgently to give these remarkable birds a fighting chance.”

A Broader Conservation Win

Scotland’s wildlife faces serious challenges. The latest State of Nature report reveals that one in nine Scottish species is at risk of national extinction, including puffins, red squirrels, and swifts. Globally, Scotland ranks 28th from the bottom out of 240 countries for biodiversity intactness.

The Natural Environment Bill goes further than swift bricks. It strengthens protection for Ramsar Wetlands, such as Loch Lomond and the Flow Country peatlands, and introduces measures to improve deer management and National Parks legislation. While there are concerns about muirburn regulation, hunting rights for mountain hares, and invasive species control, RSPB Scotland believes that the Bill, once implemented effectively, could mark a turning point for Scotland’s nature.

The Natural Environment Bill is now awaiting Royal Assent and will soon become the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026, cementing Scotland’s place as a leader in practical wildlife conservation.
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