Have you have had a birds nest in your chimney in the past? it is likely that the birds will return again to nest in the same place. It is recommended to have a bird guard fitted when the nest is empty to prevent them returning. Often jackdaws like to nest in chimneys, and they will make a racket talking to each other early in the morning. If they lose their home, then they may leave.
Did you know it is an illegal offence to remove nesting birds fro your chimney during the nesting season?
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is the primary legislation which protects animals, and certain habitats in the UK.
Information on the legal protection afforded to wild birds in England, Wales and Scotland is available by looking up the wildlife and countryside act 1981 online.
Please also note that because of devolution there are now some significant differences in the law between the constituent countries of the UK.
Definition of a wild bird
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, a wild bird is defined as any bird of a species that is resident in or is a visitor to the European Territory of any member state in a wild state.
Game birds however are not included in this definition (except for limited parts of the Act). They are covered by the Game Acts, which fully protect them during the close season.
Basic protection
All birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law and it is thus an offence, with certain exceptions (see Exceptions), to:
Intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird
Intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird whilst it is in use or being built
Intentionally take or destroy the egg of any wild bird
Have in one’s possession or control any wild bird, dead or alive, or any part of a wild bird, which has been taken in contravention of the Act or the Protection of Birds Act 1954
Have in one’s possession or control any egg or part of an egg which has been taken in contravention of the Act or the Protection of Birds Act 1954
Use traps or similar items to kill, injure or take wild birds
Have in one’s possession or control any bird of a species occurring on Schedule 4 of the Act unless registered, and in most cases ringed, in accordance with the Secretary of State’s regulations (see Schedules)
Intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild bird listed on Schedule 1 while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.
Fines
The maximum penalty that can be imposed for an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act – in respect of a single bird, nest or egg – is a fine of up to £5,000, and/or six months’ imprisonment.
At Alfred Poppins we feel the best protection against birds nesting is to have a suitable cowl / bird guard fitted. We offer this service and are more than happy to quote on the fitting.
