Swifts are among the most remarkable birds on Earth — they sleep on the wing, migrate thousands of miles, and return each year to nest in the same tiny holes in our buildings. But as we insulate, repoint, and renovate, those nesting sites are vanishing — and so are the birds.

This week, Jeffrey speaks with Hannah Bourne-Taylor — author, activist, and the powerhouse behind the campaign to mandate “swift bricks” in all new UK homes. From raising wild birds in Ghana to walking naked through Westminster with painted feathers, Hannah’s journey is as bold as it is heartfelt.

Full Show Notes: https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/blog/saving-swifts-a-brick-for-the-birds---hannah-bourne-taylor---show-notes/

• Support the early day motion (MP action)
• Find your local MP

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In this episode of the Building Sustainability Podcast, we are joined by Chloe Donovan, founder of Natural Building Systems. She discuss the exciting potential of hemp and other bio-based materials in construction, how modular systems can reduce waste and speed up building, and the complexities of bringing sustainable solutions to market.

Topics covered:

• Chloe’s journey from the voluntary sector to sustainable construction
• The origins of Natural Building Systems and its mission
• Why hemp is such a powerful material for carbon capture and sustainability
• The challenges of making natural materials commercially viable
• How modular building systems can be reconfigured, adapted, and disassembled
• The future of digital manufacturing and sustainability in construction
• The balance between affordability and sustainability in housing

If you’re interested in how we can rethink construction for a more sustainable future, this is a must-listen episode!

Show Links

• Natural Building Systems Website - https://naturalbuildingsystems.com/
• Dr Mike Lawrence - https://www.uos.ac.uk/about/get-in-touch/people-directory/research/mike-lawrence/
• Back To Earth - https://www.backtoearth.co.uk/
• Liner Free paper airtightness tape - https://www.backtoearth.co.uk/product/liner-free-paper-airtightness-tape-ampacoll-easy/
• Hempen - https://www.hempen.co.uk/
• IndiNature - https://www.indinature.co/
• Centre for high carbon capture cropping (CHCx3) - https://www.carboncapturecropping.com/
• Installershow - https://www.installershow.com/

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In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Sigi Koko, founder of Down to Earth Design, to explore the world of natural renovations. Sigi shares her journey of blending sustainability and health into home retrofits, highlighting the transformative power of materials like clay and hemp in creating spaces that feel alive, healthy, and grounded.

We dive into:

• The challenges and creativity sparked by constraints in renovation projects.
• Why natural materials like clay plaster and hemp insulation are game-changers for indoor air quality, sound, and moisture control.
• The importance of reclaiming and reimagining our housing stock for a sustainable future.
• The emotional and sensory transformation of spaces through natural building techniques.
• The growing mainstream awareness of natural building methods and how to communicate their value effectively.

Whether you’re considering your own renovation, curious about natural materials, or looking for inspiration in sustainable design, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.

Show Links:

• Sigi's website - https://www.buildnaturally.com/
• Sigi's first Building Sustainability Episode - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/how-to-design-the-natural-home-of-your-dreams-sigi-koko-bs070/
• Jeffrey's Earthen Floor Company - https://www.theearthenfloorcompany.com/
• Will Stanwix - https://thathempcreteguy.com/
• The Earthen Floor book
• Hemptecture - https://www.hempitecture.com/
• Podcast Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/buildingsustainability
• Nettlecombe Craft School - https://www.nettlecombecraftschool.com/

Support the Podcast:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share it with your friends, and help spread the word about sustainable building!

Connect with me:

IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

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