A conservationist is trying to get housing developers to include ‘swift bricks’ in new builds.

Swift birds are known for their forked tails as they fly high in the sky, and do everything in the sky including, mating and eating.

Swifts spend their winters in Africa and their summers in the UK where they nest with one partner.

The beautiful birds have been seen plenty of times in Bolton and Bury over the years fitting into tiny gaps in roofs and bricks on houses to nest, but as more and more houses are being renovated, the Swifts are now in decline and on the red list of endangered species.

The Bolton News: Swift bird

Louise Bentley in Bolton, has been working hard to raise awareness of the species and has lobbied housing developers to install swift bricks in houses, which is a brick with a box at the front matching the brick colour, which allows the birds to nest in it.

Louise said: “It’s been very hard work to convince developers and very disheartening at times."

But she said developers behind house builds in Bolton are exploring the option.

Louise also has a good partnership with Bolton At Home who have already agreed at a small development to add one Swift brick per 16 houses around Bolton.

Louise said: “It is important because there are certain species that become dependent on our buildings since, we cleared much of forests and agriculture.

“It doesn’t allow them to get into new builds and any bird nesting cannot come back.“

“Swifts migrate to Africa and then come back and then if someone has their roof done they can’t get in and then spend the whole summer getting in.

“Most will never make it and never breed again. So, we need to provide for them and not block them out. “

Louise added: “It's conservation action that can be a winner for little outlay and it’s a simple thing to do.

“We want to protect them, and advise on how to help them.

READ MORE: Masefield Primary School is in the top 3 per cent of schools

READ MORE: Westhoughton: Concerns after after grass verge damaged

READ MORE: Bolton property market recording increases in value

“I wanted to do something that made a difference in nature and it pulled at my heartstrings that they could lose their nests.

“Be aware you have such wonderful nature, and it’s nice to see a direct way to help and I love them and have become obsessed with them.

“You look forward to them coming back.”

Older houses can still put-up swift boxes high up on their properties.