‘Damaging bird nests can destroy our wildlife for future generations’, says rural crime officer

With spring finally here, nesting season has started and our Rural Engagement Team wants to remind you that damaging wild bird nests or stealing their eggs is a crime.

All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, explains Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Crime officer PC Jed Raven.

“We don’t have a major problem with egg thieves in Essex but there are a few sites we keep an eye on because of the rare birds nesting there.
“Sadly, there are some determined individuals who persist in collecting bird eggs, so it’s profitable for criminals to steal them and sell them illegally in a global market.
“Whole clutches of eggs can be taken and this can have devastating and, potentially, irreversible consequences for rare birds, while helping to accelerate the decline of species which were once common in the countryside.
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy nature and the countryside safely but that can only continue if we ensure that our wildlife is protected and preserved, not just for us but for generations to come.”

Simply disturbing nesting birds can cause parent birds to abandon their nests, eggs or young, leaving them to die.

Jed says:

“Everyone knows that stealing wild birds’ eggs is a crime but not everyone is aware that it’s also illegal to take, damage or destroy any birds’ nests.
“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.”

Jed says he and his fellow rural engagement officers in Essex and across the country receive up-to-date intelligence and support from the National Wildlife Crime Unit, which co-ordinates the policing response to egg thefts through Operation Easter.

Another national operation to protect wild birds is Operation Owl where we encourage members of the public to be our eyes and ears, reporting incidents where you suspect birds of prey are being persecuted or have been shot or poisoned.

An emerging crime is the increase of thefts of birds of prey and their chicks for onward sale into the legitimate falconry industry, adds Jed.

 

How can I help?

If you see anyone acting suspiciously around nesting birds or you have any information on egg and bird thieves, or dead birds of prey, you can report it online at www.essex.police.uk/ro. Alternatively, you can ring 101.

Provide as much information as you can – for example, a What3Words location, a description of the people involved, vehicle registration numbers, vehicle descriptions. However, it is very important that you don’t confront suspects or put yourself at risk.

Always ring 999 if it is an emergency or a crime in progress.

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, online or by calling 0800 555 111.

 

For more information and advice on wildlife crime, visit our Wildlife Crime pages> What is wildlife crime? > Offences against birds

Our Rural Engagement Team have an understanding about how a rural community works.They investigate crimes like theft of agricultural vehicles and technical equipment and hare coursing. The team also work to prevent and deter rural crime too. 

Working with partner agencies, they take enforcement action against those who are intent on causing harm to our rural communities. 

For more about rural crime and advice on how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim, please visit our rural crime page.