FabSpeed has strengthened its commitment to wildlife conservation by partnering with Action for Swifts. This award-winning organisation has unrivalled expertise in swift ecology and the needs of the construction industry. Together, this collaboration enhances FabSpeed’s Bricology range. The range integrates carefully designed habitats into buildings, supporting biodiversity while preserving the architectural integrity of each project.
The Bricology range demonstrates how the built environment can actively contribute to nature recovery. Designed to provide safe, non-invasive spaces for birds, bats, and bees, each unit blends seamlessly with building façades. This approach ensures biodiversity gains are delivered without compromising the design vision of architects or the construction process for housebuilders. With the urgent need to create sustainable and wildlife-friendly places, Bricology products present a practical and long-lasting solution.
Action for Swifts has been at the forefront of swift conservation for many years, with a dedicated team that has delivered nest boxing projects across the UK. Their experience has informed the creation of the AfS S Brick, a new swift habitat which will be utilised by FabSpeed. Simple, lightweight, and robust, the AfS S Brick spans a single brick course and can be installed either during construction or retrofitted within existing buildings. Its ease of use means it can be laid just like a standard brick, while providing an immediate biodiversity benefit.
The AfS S Brick is best installed high in gables, beneath eaves, or within parapet walls. The optimal placement is at least four metres above the ground; however, higher installations are also encouraged. With space in mind, they can be positioned at one metre intervals or closer where necessary, provided there is a clear flyway in front of each entrance. These thoughtful design principles ensure the nesting needs of swifts are met while allowing effortless integration into modern developments.
FabSpeed’s flexible approach allows these bricks’ apertures to suit various small native bird species, broadening the system’s benefits beyond swifts. This adaptability offers housebuilders and architects greater scope to enhance biodiversity across building typologies and ensures habitat integration with surrounding brickwork.
Action for Swifts is also producing an improved range of Bat Bricks for FabSpeed. These compact, cavity-based units fit into the space of a single brick in the outer leaf and extend into the cavity behind. Each unit is constructed with thin steel walls and weighs just 3kg. They are fireproof and lined with bat-friendly materials. Installation is straightforward. The brick is set into the course, with the rear section extending upwards into the cavity. With a minimum requirement of just 50mm, the design leaves enough space to avoid cold bridging. This ensures bats have a durable and thermally stable roosting place.
This partnership underscores FabSpeed’s ambition to deliver sustainable, practical, and architecturally sympathetic solutions that support wildlife recovery at scale. By working with Action for Swifts, FabSpeed is equipping the construction industry with innovative products that unite high-quality brickwork with biodiversity gains, making it easier than ever to create habitats that benefit both people and nature.
