Bit of a random one for us at our site this.

A company are in to do some roof repairs on one of our warehouse buildings. They have all the necessary equipment etc and will be working off a scissor lift.

The concern is that there are a couple of seagull nests on the roof near to where the work is expected to be carried out and unsure as to whether its ok to work in the vicinity of the nests, given the possible risk of being attacked by the birds. (Something that has happened I am told in the past).

Aware that the work is the priority and needs to be done before any change in weather happens and that the contractors can't wait around until the birds leave etc, but its more a concern if the nests need to be moved or interfered with as to whether this is allowed?

Anyone got any suggestions or thoughts on this? 

Cheers

Originally Posted by: Murra1960

You're correct in suggesting it's a risk! Gulls are notorious for their protectiveness when nesting. And it is against the law to interfere with any bird nest.

Reference the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 "an authorised person (eg a landowner or occupier) may kill or take, in certain situations and by certain methods, so called 'pest species' and destroy or take the nest or eggs of such a bird". There are several pest bird species in the UK. These include greater black-backed gull, lesser black-backed gull, herring gull.

Was pipped to the post there by A Kurdziel had to check this out due to a seagull nest blocking a gulley and causing a roof leak, we also had a dead bird in a down pipe!

Thanks for the feedback people. :)

I had seen that PDF Kurd had posted but wasn't sure hence the original post.

I have forwarded the details on to our site where the issue is and hopefully it should help them out.