Lawmakers Shift Stance on ‘Birdhouse Brick’ Law for New Homes, Leaving Advocates Speechless: ‘Irresponsible Move’

Despite previously overwhelming support, a piece of legislation that could boost British bird populations now seems unlikely to pass.

What’s happening?

The

legislation

in question would require new homes across the United Kingdom to include one “swift brick.” These are hollow bricks designed to provide homes for swifts and other birds that traditionally live in such gaps within houses.

The amendment initially had strong support within the U.K.’s majority Labour Party, but

The Guardian reports

that party leaders are now expected to oppose it.

Hannah Bourne-Taylor, a writer turned influential advocate for quick-setting bricks, notes that both home builders and brick producers show little resistance to this new law. This acceptance stems from the affordable price point of under $50 per brick and their easy availability due to widespread production. However, the apparent backlash appears linked more to broader geopolitical changes, such as the Trump administration’s inclination towards reducing certain environmental regulations aimed at protecting the planet.

“Bourne-Taylor stated to The Guardian, ‘This isn’t about humans versus birds; it’s about life itself. Can you imagine any administration constructing millions of houses that would be devoid of one of our most direct means to experience nature? It’s not just irrational—it’s reckless.’”

What makes swift bricks significant?

The quantity of nesting swifts in the UK.

has fallen by 66%

since 1995, and the bird is considered near threatened in Europe. A similar story has occurred with other once-common British birds, such as the swallow and house martin.

Experts believe

a number of things

These declining figures can be attributed to shrinking insect populations nationwide, which leaves the birds with less prey. Additionally, contemporary housing developments offer them diminished opportunities for nesting sites.

That’s when swift bricks come into play.

Also known as ”

birdhouse bricks

They are crafted from recycled materials. In addition to being hollow and featuring tiny openings for birds to enter and exit, these structures include various bird-friendly design elements like drainage holes and a concave inner surface designed to facilitate nesting.

What else is being done to protect birds?

Swift bricks are merely one innovative design concept aimed at conserving and safeguarding bird populations. For instance, in Wales, a construction company plans to incorporate these elements into their projects.

nest boxes

on its properties.

In cities filled with skyscrapers, these towering structures and their numerous windows present a significant danger to migrating birds. To address this issue, some architects have begun considering alterations.

modified their designs

So birds can more readily spot them in the sky. And on current structures,

window film

This application can make buildings more noticeable to flying birds as well. In one area of Chicago, implementing this film led to an 80% decrease in bird fatalities.

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Supporters astonished as legislators reverse stance on ‘birdhouse brick’ regulation for residential constructions: ‘This is reckless.’

first appeared on

The Cool Down

.