It marks Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s first nesting tower across its estate, and provides much-needed secure nesting sites for these red-listed bird species.

Swifts and house martins have experienced significant population declines in recent decades, due to habitat loss and a reduction in suitable nesting sites. The UK breeding population of swifts have declined by 66 percent between 1995 and 2022, while house martins have declined by 44 per cent.

Standing five metres tall, the tower features 23 swift boxes and 12 house martin cups, offering much-needed breeding opportunities. It incorporates ventilation to keep the nests cool during warmer months and is equipped with solar panels and speakers to play pre-recorded bird calls, attracting young birds searching for a nesting site to settle into.

“This is the first nest tower of its kind across the Trust’s entire estate,” said Jack Medley, Reserves Officer at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. “It marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to help swifts and house martins, two remarkable species facing serious challenges. The tower is part of our commitment to providing innovative solutions that help these birds thrive.”

Swifts and house martins migrate from sub-Saharan Africa to breed in the UK, depending on suitable nesting sites and an abundant insect population. Historically, swifts have nested in the roofs of older buildings, but modern renovations are sealing up access points, leaving them without suitable breeding spaces. The new tower mimics natural nesting conditions, offering a secure, predator-free location, giving these birds a vital lifeline.

Jack says: “Swifts and house martins are remarkable birds that complete incredible migrations from Africa each year. By providing secure nesting spaces at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, we’re giving them a fighting chance to stabilise and recover. It’s fantastic to see this conservation effort come to life.”

The tower also provides easy access to a rich supply of insects, their primary food source. The wetlands, reed beds, and woodlands at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve create perfect conditions for insects to flourish, ensuring the birds have the resources they need to thrive during the breeding season.

Bringing this vision to life required a combination of expert knowledge, skilled design, and generous support, as Jack explains: “I’m incredibly proud of this project and would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made it a reality. A special thank you goes to Hampshire Ornithological Society for their generous funding, Hampshire Swifts for their expert advice and guidance, and to Peak Boxes for their craftsmanship.

“This tower represents a huge step in our ongoing conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species, and we couldn’t have achieved it without the support of our partners and the dedication of so many involved.”

Located next to the site’s largest Lake, Ibsley Water, the tower is viewable near Goosander hide. It will be closely monitored, with data collected on nest occupancy each year.

Watch a video of the installation here.