Pole Mounted Swift Nest Colony Tower

The Swift Colony Tower is a freestanding nesting structure designed to provide alternative breeding space for swifts (Apus apus), particularly in locations where installing nest boxes on or within buildings is not possible. It is suitable for mitigation and compensation projects.

This elevated tower offers multiple nesting opportunities in a single structure and can be installed in urban, suburban or rural environments wherever swifts are present, including parks, gardens, green corridors and industrial sites.

Mitigation & Compliance

• Suitable for mitigation and compensation schemes
• Designed as an alternative breeding provision where wall-mounted boxes are not feasible
• Withstands wind speeds up to Beaufort force 10 when correctly installed

Construction

The nesting head is constructed from FSC®-certified timber and is available either as a complete unit with mast or as the nesting head only.

• FSC®-certified timber construction
• Available as complete set (tower head + mast) or head only
• Outer dimensions (tower head): approx. 120 x 60 x 120 cm
• Weight: approx. 82 kg (excluding mast)

Mast & Installation (Complete Set)

The complete version is supplied with a 6-metre galvanised, thick-walled steel mast. The mast includes a ground section for stable and secure installation.

• 6m galvanised steel mast
• Ground anchor section for stability
• Supplied with quick-set concrete and temporary stabilising supports
• Mast should be installed 1–1.5 metres into the ground (depending on soil conditions)

For best results, the tower should be positioned with clear, unobstructed flight paths. The surrounding area must be free from trees and tall shrubs that could interfere with swift access. To reduce the risk of vandalism, prickly vegetation may be established around the base, ensuring it does not obstruct flight access.

Species

Primarily intended for Swifts. If not occupied by swifts, the tower may also be used by:

• House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
• Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
• Great Tit (Parus major)
• Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)

Maintenance

If required, the tower can be cleaned after the breeding season, preferably during the winter months when unoccupied.

The Swift Colony Tower provides a large-scale, standalone nesting solution for supporting swift populations where integrated building provision is not achievable.