UK Nature and Environment

It marks Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s first nesting tower across its estate, and provides much-needed secure nesting sites for these red-listed bird species.

Swifts and house martins have experienced significant population declines in recent decades, due to habitat loss and a reduction in suitable nesting sites. The UK breeding population of swifts have declined by 66 percent between 1995 and 2022, while house martins have declined by 44 per cent.

Standing five metres tall, the tower features 23 swift boxes and 12 house martin cups, offering much-needed breeding opportunities. It incorporates ventilation to keep the nests cool during warmer months and is equipped with solar panels and speakers to play pre-recorded bird calls, attracting young birds searching for a nesting site to settle into.