How To Fit Green&Blue SwiftBlock

How to fit the Green&Blue SwiftBlock 

Thank you for buying a Green&Blue SwiftBlock from us, it means so much to us to know that you're working together with us to provision for our native wildlife in your own home and that the SwiftBlock you've bought will house Swifts for many generations to come. The Green&Blue SwiftBlock has been designed to last for some 50+ years so that you can be rewarded with seeing successful broods over many years.

And so we thought it would be helpful to put together some information for you to help with making sure that your SwiftBlock is sited and mounted securely and effectively. 

In this guide:

  1. Choosing a position for your SwiftBlock
  2. How to fit
    1. Surface Mounting Instructions
    2. New Build Instructions
  3. Fitting the front tile to SwiftBlock
  4. Maintenance and cleaning

1. Choosing a position for your SwiftBlock

Swifts nest very high up so the SwiftBlock needs to be placed at least 5m from ground level.

The SwiftBlock should be situated on a side of the building that gets shade during the day or under an overhang or the eaves. Not over windows or near to vents, and away from predator access. Make sure it is situated in a spot with clear adjacent airspace to allow high-speed direct flight access. 

Positioning more than one SwiftBlock

Swifts are happy to nest near one another, meaning that installing multiple boxes to encourage a colony is preferable. The Swift Conservation suggests a minimum of 2 blocks per house, more for a commercial development.

 

2. How to fit

Designed to fit flush in a newly-built wall or surface mount. Due to the height required for placement, please consult a professional contractor.

2.1 Surface mounting Instructions

Mount on your exterior wall using a fixing kit suitable for the wall type you are attaching the block to. If you haven't ordered a kit at purchase, you can buy one here.

  • Select a position away from any potential cables.
  • If attached, remove the front tile following the instructions below - this will be put on at the end.
  • The block has the TOP marked in bold lettering. Ensure that the bird nesting bowl is at the bottom and the metal clip is at the top.
  • Mark the position for the fixings on the wall through the holes in the rear of the box, levelling with a spirit level.
  • Select appropriate screws and plugs for your wall type. Remove the box and drill holes, fit with plugs or inner wall fixings.
  • Hold the box in place and screw in the fittings.
  • Replace the tile following the instructions below. 

2.2 New build Instructions

The SwiftBlock has been designed to fit with a standard building block size for ease of installation. You will find that the depth of the block allows for an overhang at the front to allow the front to be rendered flush, and for the rear to sit within the wall cavity.

In coursework, lay the SwiftBlock as you would a building block, level on the mortar and cut the partial building block to fill the space. 

You can lay the block with the front plate on, we have made an instructional video for how to lever the clip so that it is securely fastened which you can watch here.

The block is marked with the top edge and the metal clip also sits at the top. The bird nesting bowl on the inside is on the bottom. Position the block with the TOP marked on the top edge, level with a spirit level and lay the next course as normal above it.

If cladding be sure to put the right size for the hole in your cladding. Consult with your construction professional to get the desired result with your chosen construction method.

3. Fitting the front tile to SwiftBlock

To achieve a stable, close fit, we've designed the clip to give pressure to both the front and the back of the tile. We have put together a video here that you can watch first and then follow the instructions below. 

 

Attaching the front tile

  • Place the bottom ridge in to the groove and hinge in towards the top
  • Take a piece of string and loop it through the front of the metal clip so that you are holding both ends in one hand
  • Lever the clip up and away to create sufficient clearance for the tile to push into place against the clip.
  • Gently lower the clip and remove the string. The clip will hold the tile in place snugly.

Removing the tile

  • Take a piece of string and loop it through the front of the metal clip so that you are holding both ends in one hand
  • Support the tile with your other hand and lever the clip up and away to create sufficient clearance for the front tile to release
  • Lift the tile out and put it somewhere secure

 

4. Maintenance and cleaning

The SwiftBlock should not require any ongoing maintenance.

 

5. Enjoy your SwiftBlock and the nature it attracts!

Keeping in touch with us 

We would love to know the progress that you have with your SwiftBlock! Please share your nature photos and videos either on social media or by email to info@greenandblue.co.uk