Manx Wild Bird Aid have advised us that they are caring for many chicks that have been discovered in the following scenarios:

• Builders undertaking roof works and discovering nests, eggs and chicks
• Farmers and gardeners removing vegetation, including hedges and bramble patches, and discovering nests, eggs and chicks.

All birds, their nests, eggs and young are protected by law (the Wildlife Act 1990) and it is an offence to:

• intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take any wild bird
• intentionally or recklessly take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird whilst it is in use or being built
• intentionally or recklessly take or destroy the egg of any wild bird
• intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild bird listed on Schedule 1 while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.

The maximum penalty that can be imposed for a wildlife crime like this – in respect of a single bird, nest or egg – is a fine up to 10,000 pounds.

The bird nesting season is usually between late February and late August, or late September in the case of swifts, swallows or house martins. During the bird nesting season all buildings and vegetation should be checked first for nesting birds before undertaking any works.

Please also spare a thought for hedgehogs if you’re planning to remove vegetation, particularly if you’re strimming or mowing through long grass or hedges. Many hedgehogs are killed by cutting machines every year, and so make plenty of noise and poke about with a stick so that a sleepy hog has the chance to run away.