18 January 2026
Once a familiar sight in summer skies, swifts - known for their high-pitched calls and dazzling flight - are disappearing fast.
The UK population has fallen by 68% since 1995, and they are now on the red list of endangered species. If nothing changes, swifts could vanish as a breeding bird within 30 years.
Historically nesting in cliffs and trees, swifts have adapted to the built environment, finding homes beneath the eaves and tiles of houses and church towers. However, modern construction and renovations often eliminate nesting spaces. Combined with pesticide use and habitat loss, this has had a detrimental impact on the swift population. Nest sites aren’t legally protected outside the breeding season, so many are destroyed while the birds migrate.
Churches can make a real difference. New colonies can be encouraged by installing nest boxes or specially designed ‘swift bricks’. At Debden parish church, two swift boxes have been installed on the church tower, complete with a calling system. Swifts are sociable and prefer colonies, so adding a calling system-playing recorded swift calls at set times - helps attract them to the boxes and greatly improves success. However, patience is key as it may take a few years for the swifts to settle.
The Revd Lynda Sebbage, Team Vicar at St Mary the Virgin, Debden and All Saints, Wimbish, explains:
“Habitat loss is a major factor in the decline of swifts, and churches are uniquely placed to help reverse this trend. Establishing nesting sites on and around church buildings requires careful planning - considering location, box height, funding, and faculty permissions - but the effort is well worth it, and it’s one of the ways we are caring for God’s creation in the parishes of Debden and Wimbish.
“With support from Norwich Diocese, Essex Birdwatching Society, Save Our Suffolk Swifts, and Suffolk Wildlife Rescue, we are currently developing a comprehensive guide to swift conservation. This resource, endorsed by Bishop Roger, the Chair of the Diocesan Environment Group and the Revd Sandra Eldridge, our Diocesan Environment Officer, will be available to every church in the new year.
“We invite Churches across our diocese to make use of this resource. By implementing a swift programme, churches can help ensure these extraordinary birds continue to grace our skies for generations to come.”
Image: Courtesy of Suffolk Wildlife Rescue
This article is taken from the latest edition of We Pray.