Swallow Nest Boxes & Nest Bowls

Support these incredible aerial acrobats by installing a high-quality swallow nest box. With natural nesting sites disappearing, providing artificial nest bowls helps swallows return and breed successfully.

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Swallow nest boxes and bowls

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  • Swallow Nest Box Bowl

    Swallow Nest Box Bowl

    Regular price
    £14.95
    Sale price
    £14.95
    Regular price
    • Durable: extra long-lasting woodstone construction
    • Natural: replicates the shape and form of natural nests
    • Practical: fixed to pre-drilled mounting board
  • Schwegler No. 10 Swallow Nest

    Schwegler No. 10 Swallow Nest

    Regular price
    £27.99
    Sale price
    £27.99
    Regular price
    • Supportive: Provides Swallows and House Martins with a suitable nest
    • Natural Environment: Breathable material ensures a balanced temperature
    • Easy Maintenance: Easy inspection and cleaning
  • Schwegler No. 10B Barn Swallow Nest

    Schwegler No. 10B Barn Swallow Nest

    Regular price
    £25.99
    Sale price
    £25.99
    Regular price
    • Easy to clean and inspect
    • Breathable material ensures a balanced temperature
  • Schwegler Droppings Board For House Martin & Swallow Nests

    Schwegler Droppings Board For House Martin & Swallow Nests

    Regular price
    £27.99
    Sale price
    £27.99
    Regular price
    • Designed to work with the Schwegler 9A House Martin Nests
    • Prevents droppings accumulating around windows and doors
    • Easy installation with galvanised hangers.
  • Woodstone Swallow Nest Box

    Woodstone Swallow Nest Box

    Regular price
    £24.95
    Sale price
    £24.95
    Regular price
    • Provides much needed replacement habitat for swallows
    • This Swallow Bowl is made from durable WoodStone® a mixture of concrete and wood fibres
    • Easy to erect approx. 4cm under ceiling height

Showing 1-5 of 5 products

Help Swallows Find a Home – Swallow Nest Boxes & Why They Matter

Swallows are one of the UK’s most beloved summer visitors, arriving in April and May after an epic migration from southern Africa. These graceful birds, known for their darting flight and distinctive forked tails, rely on sheltered spaces such as barn eaves, outbuildings, and porches to build their mud nests. However, due to modern building practices and loss of traditional nesting sites, swallows are struggling to find safe places to breed.

By installing artificial swallow nest bowls, you can support their conservation, attract them to your property, and enjoy watching these fascinating birds up close.

Why Do Swallows Need Artificial Nest Boxes?

Swallows traditionally build their mud cup nests on ledges or beams inside open-fronted buildings. However, renovated barns, sealed eaves, and urban expansion have led to a dramatic loss of natural nesting spaces. Artificial swallow nest boxes provide a secure, ready-made alternative, encouraging swallows to return year after year.

Swallows are loyal to their nesting sites, meaning once they accept an artificial nest, they will likely use it for multiple breeding seasons. This not only boosts local populations but also gives you the joy of watching swallows raise their young.

Where to Site a Swallow Nest Box

To successfully attract swallows, install nest boxes in suitable locations that mimic their natural nesting preferences:

  • Under eaves, porches, or inside open barns/sheds
  • At least 2.5m (8ft) above ground to avoid disturbance
  • Away from direct sunlight and strong winds for nest protection
  • In clusters because swallows prefer to nest in small colonies

Avoid placing nest boxes near busy entrances or enclosed spaces, as swallows need clear flight paths in and out of their nesting site.

When & How to Put Up Swallow Nest Boxes

  • Best Time to Install: Late winter to early spring (February – April) before swallows arrive back in the UK.
  • How to Install: Secure the nest bowl under a sheltered overhang using screws or brackets. Ensure the area is accessible yet undisturbed, allowing swallows to fly in and out freely.
  • Encouraging Swallows to Use the Nest: If swallows are nearby but hesitant, playing recordings of swallow calls or placing mud nearby can encourage them to investigate and settle in.

The Decline of Swallow Nesting Sites & How You Can Help

Changes in agriculture, urban development, and building renovations have reduced traditional swallow nesting locations, forcing them to search harder for safe places to breed. This loss of habitat has contributed to a decline in swallow numbers, making artificial nest boxes more critical than ever.

By providing purpose-built swallow nesting bowls, you’re playing a vital role in swallow conservation. Whether you have a barn, garage, or stable, adding nest boxes ensures these amazing birds can continue their centuries-old tradition of returning to the UK each summer.

Where to See Swallows in the UK

If you love watching swallows in action, visit wetlands, open countryside, farmland, and horse stables where they hunt for insects over fields, lakes, and rivers. Look out for them:

  • Around farms and rural villages: especially near old barns and outbuildings
  • By rivers and lakes: swallows skim the surface to drink and catch flying insects
  • Coastal migration hotspots: where they gather before heading south in autumn

Support Swallows - Install a Nest Box (Bowl) Today

Attracting swallows to your property is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to help them thrive. Browse our range of swallow nest boxes today and give these incredible birds the safe nesting site they desperately need.

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What time of year do swallows tend to nest in?

In the UK, swallows typically start nesting in late spring, returning from migration from late April to early May. Swallows often lay eggs in May, with chicks hatching by June.

How long is the swallow nesting season?

The swallow nesting season lasts for several months. Swallows lay their eggs in the Springtime, with chicks hatching in June. The nesting period usually lasts until late summer, with young swallows fledging by August or early September before migrating again for the winter.

How long do baby swallows stay in the nest?

After hatching, baby swallows typically stay in the nest until they are between 18 and 23 days old. During this period, they rely on their parents for food and warmth. The chicks will gradually grow stronger, developing the ability to fly and hunt on their own. Once strong enough, the chicks are able to leave the nest.

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