Highly Commended 2011

HOLYTOWN SWIFT NESTING BOXES

This design for a swift nesting site was developed through Concern for Swifts (Scotland) by North Lanarkshire Council architects.

The design took the basic requirements for swift nest sites and developed this to fit into the shape and size of the eaves at the gable end of the building – where the original nest had been, prior to refurbishment – and using the same materials as the new cladding for the soffits.

The design followed the basic requirements for swift nesting sites. The size and placing of the entrance (28mm high x 60mm long) is important, as box must permit young swifts adequate space to exercise their wings prior to leaving the nest, while excluding larger birds. The small height of the entrance excludes starlings and other larger birds. The greater length allows for the swifts’ exceptionally long wings.

Placing the entrance at one end and below the space allows maximum space inside the cavity and allows for another speciality of swifts, which is the ability to zoom directly into the nest from below without a pause.

Once installed these elegant nest sites look like a decorative element on the building, and there is no indication that they might be bird boxes! How many decorative elements on buildings could be adapted for biodiversity?

Judges’ Comments:

Straight to the point, this simple, real world scheme involves the installation of swift nesting boxes on an apartment block. Although this project tackles a single issue and was therefore ineligible for a main award, it was selected for a commendation because it is a practical small-scale demonstration of what can be achieved for species of conservation concern through simple interventions on buildings.