Swift Nest Box - Wildlife-Friendly Nesting Box for Swifts (Zeist Design)

Swifts are one of the most extraordinary birds we share our summers with - arriving from Africa, raising their young, then disappearing again in just a few short months. Traditionally they nested under the eaves and gables of older buildings, but as homes are renovated and new builds are sealed tight, these vital nesting spaces are disappearing.

Our Swift Nest Box was completely redesigned in 2016 using the highly successful Zeist design, widely used across Europe. It features an overhanging front panel with an oval entrance, modified in 2017 to the now-recommended 28mm x 65mm entrance size, following research and guidance from Swift Conservation and other specialist bodies. This helps deter starlings and sparrows while remaining ideal for swifts.

The box is designed to be mounted high up under the eaves (we recommend at least 5 metres above ground) with a clear, uninterrupted drop beneath - essential for swifts, which must fly directly into and out of the nest.

A note on swift bricks

There is growing support for integrating swift bricks into new housing - and rightly so. But while we continue to campaign for better building standards, external nest boxes remain one of the most effective ways individuals can help right now. Every box installed is a potential lifeline for a returning pair that would otherwise have nowhere to breed.

Constructed from precision-cut FSC® Certified exterior-grade plywood and treated with a non-toxic, environmentally friendly preservative, this box is built to last while being safe for birds.

If occupied only by swifts, the box requires little to no maintenance. If other species use it, it’s best to clear nesting material during winter, before swifts return in spring.