There has recently been a great deal of public concern over the
putting up of nets in trees and hedgerows on development sites.
Some developers do this to prevent birds nesting in trees and
hedges they plan to cut down as part of the development.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence
for a person to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of
any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built. To avoid
breaching the Act, some developers put up nets around trees and
hedgerows on development sites during nesting season (which occurs
from February until August). There are currently no laws in place
to prevent the installation of netting at any time of the year. The
practice of putting up netting is becoming more commonplace and
there have been calls from the public and various wildlife
charities for stricter controls to be implemented by the government
to regulate it.
