A housing developer has taken steps to help protect a species of bird whose numbers are in steep decline.

Hopkins Homes, which has housing developments in Essex and neighbouring counties, has partnered with Action for Swifts by installing what are known as swift bricks across four of its developments.

Action for Swifts, which has been attempting to halt the declining numbers of the bird, has supplied Hopkins Homes with more than 100 swift bricks, which provide a secure nest chamber for the protected species.

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Swift populations have fallen by over 60 per cent since 1995 and are on the red list for birds – but with the swift brick’s thin walls, it is hoped it will provide them with more high-quality space.

Dick Newell, from Action for Swifts, welcomed the decision from Hopkins Homes to use the swift bricks.

He said: “It is no secret that swift numbers are sharply declining due to loss of nest sites.

“We can reverse this decline by creating sustainable, long-term nesting places and this is where new development can make a big impact.”

Lee Barnard, group managing director of Hopkins Homes said the developer is aiming to install swift bricks over the coming months.