Nesting bricks have been installed at a new housing project to help protect the swift population in the area.

Swift populations in the UK have declined by more than 50 per cent since 1997 and campaigners in Battle say that their numbers are dwindling in East Sussex.

A new initiative will aim to support the population by giving the endangered birds a place to nest inside houses in a bid to improve biodiversity.

The bricks will be installed in houses being built at the St Martin's independent living scheme development of Battle's High Street.

Action for Swifts campaigner Kim Overington said: "Who can fail to be enthralled by the sight of swifts. Their sickle like wings and screaming voices denote summer has arrived here in the UK.

"However, climate change, loss of nesting sites and reduction in food sources are among the reasons they are now at risk.

A swift using a nesting brickA swift using a nesting brick

"Southern Housing [the developer behind the project] kindly gave permission to install these nest bricks and I’m hopeful we’ll see even more support for these red-listed birds in the future."

The new development will include 25 of the swift nest bricks, which provide a hollow space for the birds to live in.

The bricks will be installed as part of the development in a bid to protect the biodiversity of the area.