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Dorset Police Rural Crime Team has been receiving reports concerning possible nest disturbance etc. As your aware its a bizzy time for our bird population. They need all the protection they can get from their predators and sometimes that includes us humans! Below is brief guide to the Legislation that protects birds. Hope this helps. WILDLIFE CRIMES – DAMAGING OR DISTURBING WILD BIRDS NESTS In the UK, all wild birds, their active nests, and eggs are strictly protected by law. Disturbing nesting birds—especially during the breeding season from - 1st March to 31st August - can cause parent birds to abandon their young, leading to starvation. This is an offence that can result in unlimited fines and imprisonment. The Law and Your Responsibilities General Protection: Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy a wild bird's nest while it is in use or being built.Schedule 1 Birds: Rare or particularly vulnerable species (such as Barn Owls or Kingfishers) receive extra protection. It is a serious offence to disturb these birds while they are building a nest, near a nest, or with dependent young.Vegetation Management: Hedge trimming and tree pruning should ideally take place outside the main nesting season (autumn/winter).If you must work during the season, you must first do a thorough check for active nests. Ground-Nesting Birds & Pets Off-Lead Dogs: For many bird species that nest on the ground (like Curlews, Lapwings, or Skylarks), loose dogs are a primary threat. Dogs are perceived as predators and cause significant stress.Open Access Land: During bird breeding season, legislation often requires dogs to be kept on short leads (no more than 2 meters) when on designated Open Access land.Rare Bird Alert – What to Do If you suspect a nest is being actively disturbed or destroyed, contact Dorset Police on 101, (or 999 if it is happening right now). Dorset Police Rural Crime Team can be contacted for advice regarding any Wildlife Crimes, (see Dorset Police Website for contact details) . You can also report incidents anonymously to the RSPB Crime Hotline at 0300 999 0101. | 
