Ladbrook UK Staff

About the client

Action for Swifts is a UK company dedicated to helping swift birds, whose numbers have declined in recent years. They create safe, long-lasting nesting spaces to give swifts a better chance to thrive. One of their main products, the AfS S Brick, is a clever bird box that fits neatly into the brickwork of new or renovated buildings. It gives swifts a secure place to nest without altering the building’s appearance. The S Brick is built to last, meets modern fire safety standards, and blends in so well that most people won’t even notice it’s there.

As awareness of urban biodiversity and eco-conscious construction grows, so too has the demand for Action for Swifts’ nesting solutions. To meet this rising interest from architects, developers, and councils, the organisation needed a trusted local partner to manufacture the steel components of the S Brick - one who could offer both consistent quality and dependable service. Ladbrook UK was the ideal fit.



The challenge

As more people discovered Action for Swifts and demand for their bird boxes grew, they needed a UK company that could quickly and reliably make the metal parts for them. Although the parts themselves weren’t complicated, they had to be made with great precision and meet strict fire safety regulations (BS 40421:2022). The metal chamber inside had to be exactly 85mm tall so it would line up perfectly with a row of bricks and the mortar between them. 

For Ladbrook UK, this project offered a meaningful opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation. It allowed us to demonstrate how expertise in precise metalwork and dependable service can support environmentally friendly initiatives. While the parts themselves were straightforward to produce, the job still demanded clear communication, a seamless workflow, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

The solution

Ladbrook UK handled the entire job of creating the metal part that fits inside the AfS S Brick. We used galvanised steel because it’s strong, doesn’t rust, and is completely fire-safe. To manufacture the parts, we used advanced machines called Laserone and Dynapress, which cut and shape the metal with great accuracy. These machines were operated with special software called Cadman, which made the process faster and ensured every part was exactly the same. 

Ladbrook UK collaborated closely with Action for Swifts to ensure everything was produced and delivered on time, enabling them to meet rising demand without compromising on quality.

The outcome


The final result was a consistent and dependable supply of high-quality metal parts that fit perfectly into Action for Swifts’ overall bird box design. Everything was delivered on time and made precisely to the correct size. Thanks to Ladbrook UK’s support, Action for Swifts could continue to grow and meet demand with confidence.


“Ladbrook UK has been a brilliant local partner - reliable, responsive, and producing quality metal components for our S Bricks. Their support is helping us meet growing demand for fire-safe, eco-conscious nesting solutions.” – Action for Swifts.


Ongoing relationship

Ladbrook UK still manufactures and supplies the steel nest chambers for the AfS S Brick and remains a trusted partner to Action for Swifts. This close partnership highlights our commitment to quality, trust and building lasting relationships.


With more buildings being designed to help nature and promote eco-friendliness, Ladbrook UK is happy to help connect construction with wildlife. This teamwork demonstrates that good metalwork can make a difference - one bird box at a time.


Get In Touch

We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re looking for expert advice, want to discuss your project, or simply explore how Ladbrook UK can help your business, our team is ready to help. Call us on 01692 402156 or drop us an email at sales@ladbrookuk.com.