Hello, I have been informed by a friend that he has seen Swifts nesting in a house across the street from him. However builders arrived yesterday to put new guttering up! trapping the chicks and stopping the parents. in which case the chicks have now probably died, the parents are going frantic trying to get through this plastic guttering. It's heartbreaking to watch this. I do believe that Swifts are protected by law. Is there anything that could be done about this shear act of ignorance, they knew the chicks were there, the reply to my friend was, sorry mate we have a job to do? Any names numbers which I could perhaps take this matter further.
I rang the RSPCA last night, couldn't come out because it was dark, health and safety. I don't live in the area where this happened although its not to far away, I have not tried the police but will. It was my friend that informed of this. Thank you for your reply.
Alan was right, the police need to be notified as soon as possible, swift young can go into a state of torpor if they are not fed for a few days so they may still be alive, the parents need access as soon as possible though.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to intentionally harm, take or kill any wild bird, their eggs or chicks or to intentionally damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird whilst in use or being built or to prevent the parents from accessing the nest whilst chicks or eggs are inside.
If you have not called the police as yet please call the 101 number or the local switchboard and mention that you have seen an offence under the above legislation and need an officer to attend immediately. Please also ask for this to be referred to the wildlife crime officer as well as Alan suggested.
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
Please let us know how you get on.
Cheers, Linda.
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I'd also appreciate an update if possible. I keep thinking about it. This kind of mentality just horrifies me.