Nesting birds need protection

Wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

And while Natural England issues a general licence allowing some birds to be controlled if certain specific conditions are met, no one can grub out a hedge with nesting birds simply because they do not care.

Over the last few years we have had to call out the police to stop contractors carrying out felling and clearing operations that were destroying nesting birds; and that includes contractors working for

West Sussex County Council and even the Environment Agency.

Fortunately, we have now got some very good police wildlife officers in Sussex, and I do not think they will be given a second chance.

One bird in particular that has been the subject of much unnecessary persecution, has been the herring gull, pictured right.

From January this year, this bird was removed from the general licence, and anyone seen killing or trying to kill herring gulls should be reported to the police immediately.

Occasionally, herring gulls will be protective and swoop down on people; but all that is needed is the unfurling of an umbrella.

Anyone of a curmudgeonly nature, who is still not convinced, should move inland.

Simon Wild

West Sussex Wildlife Protection

Littlehampton

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