Manthorpe Swift Bricks Gain National Attention as Calls Grow for Wildlife‑Friendly Housing

Swifts, one of the UK’s most recognisable summer visitors, face continued population decline as natural nesting cavities disappear from buildings. Traditionally, the birds return from Africa each spring, reusing the same sites for generations. But modern building methods and sealed renovations have dramatically reduced the number of suitable nesting locations, contributing to a downward trend conservation experts describe as severe.

To address the issue, developers and conservation groups are turning to swift bricks—built‑in nesting chambers designed to offer safe, permanent and maintenance‑free nesting spaces. Manthorpe Building Products has become a prominent manufacturer in this area, producing swift bricks that integrate seamlessly into new builds, renovations and retrofit projects. These bricks provide internal cavities that mimic the crevices swifts historically used in older buildings, helping restore lost habitat.

As interest grows, swift bricks are now being discussed on major platforms. Manthorpe Swift Bricks were highlighted as a “hot topic” on BBC Morning Live, drawing national attention to the importance of supporting swift conservation and biodiversity in the built environment.

Planning policy developments are also playing a role in increasing adoption. In Scotland, strengthened biodiversity requirements mean housing projects must include features that protect or enhance wildlife, making products like swift bricks particularly valuable. The policy aligns with a broader UK‑wide push for nature‑friendly construction, encouraging developers to integrate bird and bat habitats during the build process rather than as afterthoughts.

Manthorpe’s work extends beyond swift bricks alone. Conservation-led product development has helped ensure their nesting bricks meet ecological needs while maintaining construction efficiency. Their solutions are compatible with a range of building types, including new housing developments and timber‑frame construction—an area particularly relevant in Scotland.

Public awareness continues to grow, with conservation messaging amplified by broadcasters, local authorities and social media. The renewed spotlight—reinforced by coverage on BBC Morning Live—has led to a rise in enquiries from homeowners, planners and architects seeking ways to incorporate ecological features into residential projects.

As swift migration season approaches each year, conservation groups stress that adopting wildlife‑friendly building features is crucial for reversing the decline. Swift bricks provide a practical, scalable and cost‑effective approach to supporting one of the UK’s fastest‑declining bird species while helping developers meet modern sustainability targets.

With media attention increasing and policy support strengthening, Manthorpe Swift Bricks are set to play a central role in biodiversity‑focused construction—ensuring that swifts can continue to return to British skies for decades to come.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/-yc3MKZbfxY