Antrim and Newtownabbey Council launches first-of-its-kind initiative to protect endangered Swifts

Council Swift Champion, Councillor Anne-Marie Logue with Local Resident Brian Calahane, Elected Members, Council Officers and Local Residents supporting the drive to protect our Swifts.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has become the first local authority in Northern Ireland to launch an innovative planning initiative aimed at protecting endangered Swifts.

As part of its commitment to biodiversity, the Council will now provide all planning applicants with a new Positive Planning Note – a dedicated guidance booklet focused on safeguarding the declining Common Swift population.

Swifts, designated as the Borough’s official Bird of the Borough in 2015, have seen a dramatic population decline across the UK and Ireland and are now red-listed as a species of conservation concern.

The Council worked in partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Northern Ireland Swift Group, and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) Natural Environment Division to produce the new guidance – the first of its kind in Northern Ireland – supporting both wildlife conservation and sustainable development.

The booklet provides best practice advice for developers, planners, architects and builders. Simple and cost-effective measures such as incorporating Swift nest bricks or boxes into new and existing buildings are highlighted as ways to create safe and long-term breeding sites for Swifts.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said:

“By sharing this guidance booklet with every applicant submitting a planning proposal, we’re taking practical steps to integrate biodiversity into the heart of development planning.

“This is a proactive way to raise awareness and ensure our built environment continues to support this incredible species.

“I am delighted with the collaboration between RSPB, NI Swift Group, DAERA and Council to produce this booklet and help to safeguard this endangered species.”

Swift-friendly development

For centuries, Swifts have nested in man-made structures, finding homes in gaps under eaves and old brickwork. But with older buildings being demolished or modernised, and newer ones built without suitable cavities, opportunities for breeding are rapidly diminishing.

To counter this, the Council’s new guidance recommends early inspections of buildings for existing nests, scheduling works outside the breeding season, and integrating Swift-specific features into new developments.

One of the driving forces behind Swift conservation locally is Crumlin resident Brian Calahane. As co-founder of the Swift NI group, he has installed numerous nest boxes across the Borough and even constructed a purpose-built Swift tower, inspiring others to take action to protect the species.

Councillor Rosie Kinnear, Chair of the Planning Committee, said:

“Our Borough provides an important haven for these birds, and we are proud to lead the way in their protection. This initiative reflects our commitment to a more sustainable future where nature and development go hand in hand and I would ask anyone who is developing or just making minor home improvements to play their part.

“I would also like to thank Councillor Anne-Marie Logue for her dedication as the Council’s Swift Champion, whose efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness and driving forward action to protect these wonderful birds.”

Anyone wishing to obtain a copy of the Positive Planning Note or learn more about protecting Swifts in building projects can contact planning@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/swifts.