I've just read in a newsgroup that the common swift is in trouble in the UK, with it's numbers down over 40% in some areas including the south-west. The article doesn't reference any sources so I don't know how much is true, does anyone know if these figures are reliable?

If they are then it is definitely a big worry. I didn't realise the problem was so large. The main reason for any decline is surely interference with their nesting habitats, so the only way to help is to make people aware of the problem and hope that the local governments give them some more protection.

As you say that is a worry if it proves to be true.
The numbers seem to be ok up here, i still see plenty screaming through the sky on the nice summer evenings.
You are probobly correct with the loss of nesting sites, with all the older buildings being renovated and made so well insulated that there is nowhere for the birds to get in.

I saw plenty of swifts last year, but that doesn't prove anything either way. A lot of bids do seem to be in trouble from lack of nesting sites which is a real worry.

I have lived in my house for two years and even in that time only half the swifts nested in my area last year compared to the year before. Gardeners World Magazine this month have a good article on how to make a nest 0- I intend to make one to help them out poor little things...