Can You Legally Remove a Bird’s Nest?

In the UK, strict regulations are in place to protect birds and their nests. The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 outlines when and how a bird’s nest can be legally removed.

While we cherish birds in the UK, there are times when their nests can cause damage to buildings or structures. Large groups of birds nesting can lead to significant inconvenience for homeowners and businesses alike.

This guide will address your questions regarding the law on nest removal, along with strategies to prevent birds from becoming a nuisance on your property.

Why Can’t I Remove or Destroy a Bird’s Nest?

Disturbing a nest in use can result in harm or death to the birds or their young. If disturbed, birds may abandon their nest, eggs, or chicks. For this reason, the law prevents moving or damaging nests while they are in use, though there are a few exceptions that may apply under license.

What Happens if I Break the Law Regarding Bird Nests?

Many are unaware of the strict laws protecting bird nests. Breaking these laws, whether unintentionally or not, can result in severe consequences. The maximum penalty for disturbing or destroying a nest is six months of imprisonment, along with an unlimited fine for each bird, egg, or nest affected.

To avoid legal trouble, it’s best to refrain from any work that could risk disturbing birds during the nesting season. Note that other wildlife species, such as bats, are also protected by law.

Can I Remove a Nest That is No Longer Being Used?

Once a nest is entirely abandoned, it may be safe to remove. However, some birds, especially those that reuse nests, may not abandon them until after they’ve finished breeding. It’s important to confirm whether the nest is still in use before removing it.

In some cases, leaving an abandoned nest may benefit the birds, as they often reuse old nests for roosting outside of breeding season.

Additionally, there are rules governing the clearing of nesting boxes. For example, unhatched eggs can only be removed between 1st September and 31st January.

What Damage Can Bird Nests Cause?

Bird nests, while natural, can lead to various issues on your property:

• Excessive Bird Droppings: Bird droppings are not only unsightly but can also cause damage to buildings. The uric acid in droppings can corrode stone, paint, and metal. Historic buildings are particularly vulnerable to this kind of damage.
• Damage to Solar Panels and Air Conditioning: Pigeons often nest under solar panels, causing damage to wiring and the roof. Similarly, bird droppings can damage air conditioning units and pose health risks for maintenance workers.
• Car and Vehicle Damage: Parking areas near businesses may be affected by bird droppings, which can permanently damage the paintwork on vehicles.
• Food Contamination: Birds can pose a risk to businesses, especially those in the food industry, by contaminating production areas.
• Blocked Drainage and Ventilation: Bird nests in roof eaves can block guttering and downpipes, leading to drainage problems. Nests can also obstruct chimneys and ducts, causing ventilation issues.
• Fire Risk: Excess nesting materials can be highly flammable, increasing the risk of fire.

How Can I Stop Birds from Building Nests on My Property?

Preventing bird nests is best done before the nesting season, which runs from 1st February to the end of August. The winter months are the ideal time to implement preventative measures.

While you may be able to handle minor issues yourself, larger problems should be addressed by a professional pest control company. These experts can advise on the best prevention methods and legally remove nests when necessary.

Key Prevention Methods:

• Anti-Perch Systems: Installing anti-perch devices, such as spikes, can deter birds from landing and nesting. These devices do not harm the birds but make it difficult for them to settle.
• Bird Netting and Mesh: Netting is an effective long-term solution to keep birds away from specific areas, such as under solar panels, chimney stacks, and eaves. Professionally installed netting reduces the risk of trapping birds.
• Other Deterrent Ideas: You can also use some simple methods to discourage birds from nesting in your outdoor space, such as using squirrel-proof bird feeders, clearing gutters, and installing anti-perch spikes on fences.

If you have a bird nest issue on your property or need advice on bird management, get in touch with Integrated Bird Management today. With our extensive experience in fauna management, we offer legal and humane solutions to prevent and remove nests without harming wildlife.