Legislation to protect bird nests comes into force

Certain wild birds will receive increased protection under new legislation which will come into force on Wednesday.

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act creates a new offence of taking, damaging or destroying the nests of the golden eagle, white-tailed eagle and osprey at any time during the year.

Biodiversity Minister Barry Gardiner said: "As the law currently stands, all birds' nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, but only while they are in use or are being built.

"Protecting the nests of these birds year round will greatly assist their long-term breeding success by protecting their nests outside their usual breeding season.

"While the golden eagle and osprey are rare residents of England and Wales, it is increasingly likely that more breeding pairs will become resident, as they are all subject to re-introduction or re-establishment programmes and there is every likelihood that the white-tailed eagle will extend its range into England in the near future."

Mr Gardiner also said that the Act contains further provisions introducing enhanced powers for wildlife inspectors and the police under wildlife and conservation legislation to allow them to operate more effectively in protecting wildlife.

He said: "By enhancing and widening the enforcement provisions already contained in the 1981 Act and providing an extension to the time limit to bring about legal proceedings, we are ensuring that wildlife crime can be effectively investigated and that offenders can be prosecuted."

Welsh Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside, Carwyn Jones, said: "Our rich and varied wildlife are an important part of our natural environment. These new laws will ensure our wildlife get greater protection so that they continue to thrive and can be enjoyed by future generations."

Two provisions providing further protection for Sites of Special Scientific Interest will also come into effect on Wednesday.

The provisions will apply to England and Wales.

(KMcA/SP)