The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
protects all wild birds, their nests and
eggs. However, specific exemptions permit
certain species to be controlled by particular
methods for specific reasons. Control of
birds through population reduction techniques
is generally both less desirable and less
effective then removing their food sources
or blocking off sites where they perch or
roost. The latter technique, known as proofing,
is now used extensively with blunt spikes,
sprung wires and nets installed on buildings
to keep birds off without harming them.
The law relating to bird control is complex.
An excellent explanatory bookley 'Wild Birds
and the Law' is available from the Royal
Society for the Protection of Birds, The
Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL. Tel:
01767 680551.
