Well Done Scotland 🏴.
For birds who have been quietly losing their homes, this is a big moment.
Scotland has passed a historic law requiring swift bricks to be built into all new buildings, making space for birds part of modern construction, not an afterthought.
In January 2026, lawmakers backed the decision after years of concern over declining swift populations. As buildings became more sealed and modern, these birds lost the small gaps they once relied on to nest.
Swift bricks are simple, built-in nesting spaces that cost very little but make a life-saving difference. By making them mandatory, Scotland is proving that protecting wildlife does not have to be complicated.
For animal lovers, this feels like real progress. When cities are designed with compassion in mind, even the smallest lives are given a place to belong.
References:
The Guardian: Swift bricks to be installed on all new buildings in Scotland as MSPs back law
STV News: MSPs back law requiring 'swift bricks' on all new builds in Scotland.
The National: Scottish Greens bid to require 'swift bricks' on new builds.