Rural News

Dear Members,

LEAF online Farm Sunday
If you're missing being able to get out onto a farm to get up close to livestock, crops and machinery, and engaging all the senses which make LEAF Open Farm Sunday events so special, then join LEAF Online Farm Sunday on 7th June between 8am and 8pm! You will have the chance to see what's happening on farms across Britain, hearing lots of farming stories and getting a sneak peek into what may be on offer on Sunday 20th September!
Whilst on farm visits are unable to take place, tune into their social media channels, to meet some fabulous farmers! Follow the hashtag #LOFS20, on Facebook and Twitter for endless farming related fun. For more information visit https://farmsunday.org/

Nesting Birds
I'd like to raise the public's awareness of the law relating to nesting birds. This year more than ever, people have taken to their gardens during lockdown to conduct hedge / tree maintenance work that may well be illegal at this time of year.
Although there is no definitive date, between March 1st and August 31st is the main breeding season for nesting birds. All birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law and therefore it is an offence, under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built, or to intentionally kill, injure or take chicks or adults, or intentionally take or destroy any eggs.
It is an intentional act, for example, if a person or their neighbour, tree surgeon, gardener etc knows there is an active nest in the hedge or tree and still cut the hedge or tree, damaging or destroying the nest or contents in the process. That's illegal under this Act.
If you are planning any tree cutting, hedge trimming or other garden maintenance, always check beforehand that there are no active nests present. If you see birds carrying nesting material or food items into a hedge, bush or tree, you can be pretty sure that there is a nest within. Remember also that certain species have been known to nest in every month of the year, so always check first!

Regards

Tony Gallagher
Police Community Support Officer 6517
Rural/Wildlife/Heritage Crime Officer
North West Leicestershire NPA
Leicestershire Police

Message Sent By
Tony Gallagher (Police ,PCSO,North West)