What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to requiring new building developments to provide for the incorporation of swift bricks to encourage the recovery of swifts throughout Wales, as has been successfully implemented in Scotland?
The Welsh Government encourages the incorporation of swift bricks into new building development, where they can make a meaningful contribution to nature recovery. A recent letter to all Heads of Planning highlighted the publication of a revised Section 7 list of species and habitats under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (the Section 7 list is a statutory register of species and habitats of principal importance for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in Wales). In this letter Heads of Planning were advised that, when considering opportunities for a net benefit for biodiversity in respect of the new bird species on the list it will be important to also secure suitable provision for nesting, which could include installation of measures such as swift bricks as part of the fabric of new buildings.
The Welsh Government is keen to work positively with local authority partners and stakeholders to ensure that the right measures to maintain and enhance biodiversity (to deliver a net benefit for biodiversity) are put in the right places to reflect the ecological context of the site.