When Is Bird Nesting Season In The UK?
Nesting season for birds in the UK typically lasts from February to August, ‘depending on location, species and weather’. This should only be taken as a guideline, since birds can nest early or late.
Any tree removal or surgery work should not be carried out during this time, and manual checks of trees where birds may be nesting must be done before any work begins within or around these times of year. This includes work carried out in ground vegetation, like bushes and shrubs, as well as trees.
What Laws Protect Nesting Birds?
The primary legal protection that nesting birds have is covered under the The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and the European Habitats Directive 1992/Nesting Birds Directive. These legal rules protect wild birds from being harmed or killed, including the disturbing of nests or eggs from wild birds.
In practical terms this means that any kind of work done within or around trees, bushes, hedges and other vegetation where birds are nesting really cannot be carried out without infringing on these restrictions.
Seek Legal Advice Before Tree Work
If in doubt, you may wish to seek legal advice for any work planned near or to trees and other vegetation where nesting birds are or could be, to ensure that you do not cause any infringement of the rules that protect wild birds, their eggs, nests and habitats. Be aware that the extension of these legal restrictions mean that you could be fined for even causing birds to abandon their nests with work done nearby.
A £5000 Fine & Up To 6 Months Imprisonment
You might be surprised to learn that the maximum penalty for wildlife offences, such as the harm or disturbing of nesting birds, carries a fine of up to £5000 and six month jail terms. Organisations like the RSPB are even calling for the fines and sentences to be increased due to the serious environmental damage and ecological impact on birds from work done despite restrictions.
What To Do If You Have Nesting Birds?
If you think you may have nesting birds in a tree, bush or hedge that you are planning to do work with or around, then contact your contractor for advice in the first instance. They will be able to suggest how best to avoid you work interfering with the bird and causing any issues for you. You should be able to then book any work outside of nesting season or confirm that there are no nesting birds when you are having work done.
