Housemartins get police protection

Jun 6 2008

PEOPLE could be risking a fine of up to £5000 if they continue to destroy house martins’ nests.

The warning comes from Tayside Police wildlife crime officers, reacting to a string of complaints from members of the public.

Numerous calls have been received in the past few days about people taking direct and illegal action against the nesting birds.

Alan Stewart, Tayside Police Wildlife and Environmental Crime Officer, said: “Once a bird has started to make a nest, that nest is protected.

“The protection exists until the bird is finished with the nest for the year, which usually includes a second brood of chicks.

“The birds are finished with the nests sometime in September but waiting till October is a much safer bet before removing nests.”