'Do not disturb nesting birds': Essex Police warns residents as season begins
"DISTURBING bird nests can devastate wild populations" - that's the warning from Essex Police's Rural Engagement Team as this year's nesting season gets underway.
The message has been issued as the force lays out the laws protecting nesting birds and their eggs under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Most birds nest between March and August and the theft of their eggs, as well as the damage of their nests, are prohibited under the law.
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'Much of the damage and disturbance is caused by people who aren't aware that their actions can be illegal,' said the Rural Engagement Team's Sergeant Paul Brady.
'Disturbing nesting birds and damaging nests can cause parent birds to abandon their eggs or young, leaving them to die. This can devastate wild bird populations, which is why they are protected, with extra protections during the nesting season.
'Most birds nest between March and August but some will nest outside these months so if you are cutting hedges or pruning trees at any time of year, you must make sure there is not an active bird nest in the branches before you start work.'
Crime - Residents have been warned against disturbing nesting birds (Image: Canva) Officers in Essex Police's Rural engagement team receive up-to-date intelligence about wildlife crimes and along with support from the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU).
While the theft of wild birds' eggs in Essex is rare, the organisations work together alongside the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to ensure it stays that way.
In November, a man was arrested in Benfleet on suspicion of possessing wild bird eggs illegally - he has since been released under investigation.
Thousands of wild birds' eggs were also seized during the warrant.
Sergeant Brady added: 'We want everyone now and in the future to be able to enjoy our countryside safely and that means protecting and preserving the animals, birds and plants which live there too.'
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