Are birds' nests protected by law?

Emma Chaplin
, 16 May 2023
Are birds' nests protected by law?
Woodpigeon chick on nest © Glenn Norris

By Andy Fry, WildCall Officer

Yes - all wild birds, their eggs and nests are protected by law (the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) and it is a criminal offence, with certain exceptions, to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. This applies to all wild birds including gulls, crows, pigeons and other species sometimes referred to as pests. In certain circumstances a government licence may permit an activity that would otherwise be illegal but strict terms and conditions apply.

We’re often contacted by people concerned about hedge trimming during the bird nesting season, which generally runs from March to August inclusive. It is not illegal to trim garden hedges during the nesting season but doing so during this period risks committing an offence if nesting birds are harmed in the process. We therefore advise against it and recommend doing this kind of work later in the year, well outside the bird nesting season. For most hedges the best time to trim is in late winter, when the hedge is dormant and the birds have had a chance to eat any berries it might produce. For any genuinely urgent work that cannot be postponed, it’s important to check thoroughly for any signs of nesting birds before proceeding, such as birds carrying nesting material or food items into a hedge, bush or tree.

We’re also asked about nesting birds on the roof or under the eaves. The law does not permit any interference with their nests unless they pose a serious risk to public health or safety. This is rarely the case and while some people may consider them a nuisance, this is not sufficient reason to remove a nest. It’s worth bearing in mind that illegal interference may result in an unlimited fine, up to six months imprisonment, or both. The best solution is to wait for the birds to finish nesting then install deterrents or make repairs so that they cannot access the same nesting space again the following year. However, unless they are causing a serious issue (which is rare), we’d encourage you to allow them to return because suitable, accessible nesting locations are increasingly scarce.

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