I am about to move into a new build property and when I visited the site the builders had left the garage door open and swallows have nested. They have said we can’t move the nest and need to give the parents access to the nest. However, that will mean the garage is open, not secure and we’ll have many thousands of pounds of bikes, tools and garden equipment in there at risk of being stolen. This is a very big issue for us but with contracts signed we’re now committed to moving in a few days. Any suggestions on what can be done?
The builders are correct. Do you know how far advanced the swallows are? Feeding young yet?
The realistic suggestion, is the store your tools in a shed, or a friend's house. Another one is to introduce yourself to the neighbours. Many would be happy to look after the stuff.
It's good to know that some in the building trade do take their responsibility seriously. Also good that they've noted the nest site, and almost certainly recorded it. In all probability someone will be monitoring its progress. Fingers crossed both for the nest, and your moving in are successful.
Yes of course. It is good to see the builders taking a strict view on this. We’ve been loaned the use of the neighbouring garage until the birds fledge and in the meantime we’ll enjoy watching mum and dad return to the nest to feed the young.