Swift bricks become law in Scotland to protect birds

Fahad Redha

February 18, 2026
3 min read

Swift bricks become law in Scotland to protect birds

Following RSPB “campaigners, supporters, and nature lovers,” Scotland has enshrined swift bricks into law to provide the birds with safe nesting sites that “they desperately need,” the charity said. Scotland “made history” it added, as it became the first UK country to introduce a legal requirement for nesting bricks for the birds in new buildings.

“This is an incredibly important step which will help reverse the decline of one of our most threatened species,” the RSPB said.

UK Unemployment Rises to Highest Level Since 2015

Latest official figures show unemployment across the UK climbing to levels not seen since 2015, raising fresh concerns about economic growth, wages and job security.

Ceredigion in Wales Chosen for Major Rewilding Project

A transformative rewilding initiative in Ceredigion aims to restore natural habitats, boost biodiversity and reshape the environmental future of rural Wales.

Mozambique Flood Rescue Efforts Intensify After Severe Storms

Emergency teams continue large-scale rescue operations in Mozambique following devastating floods that have displaced communities and caused widespread damage.

The birds number have “plummeted in recent years,” with nearly two out of every three swifts in the UK being lost since the mid-1990s. This is thanks in part to a fall in insect numbers, climate change, and loss of nesting sites. Evidence shows, the charity said, that when nest sites is provided for them in buildings, they are regularly occupied, allowing the birds to breed successfully.

“Ensuring Swift bricks are included in new buildings is a simple, cheap and effective measure that will help save this beautiful and remarkable creature,” the RSPB said.

Attempts in the rest of the UK to make Swift bricks a requirement “have so far failed or barely begun,” it added.

England recently had an opportunity via an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, only for the House of Lords to vote against the measure, while a successful petition in Wales was debated in the Senedd, but was rejected “despite the urgency and cross-party support,” the RSPB said. Northern Ireland has cross-party interest and the charity said it is “investigating the potential for legislation.”

It points to “significant cross-party support” in the Scottish Parliament, saying it has “resulted in real hope for Swifts,” adding that its “focus will turn to the next Scottish Government to implement this measure, and for other governments in the UK to follow Scotland’s lead.”

Image: Alexis Lours

Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!

About Author

Fahad Redha

Fahad is the Content Editor at EyeOnLondon, overseeing the publication’s editorial output across news, culture, and lifestyle. With a background in journalism from the University of the Creative Arts, he brings a broad range of experience from local London reporting in Kensington & Chelsea, where he held roles including motoring, events, and health editor. At EyeOnLondon, Fahad plays a central role in shaping content and maintaining editorial standards. His work spans everything from daily news to feature coverage, with a particular strength in motoring and events. He also incorporates photography into his reporting, adding a visual layer to many of his stories. Fahad joined EyeOnLondon in February 2021.