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House martins and the law
Once you have fixed the nest cups, it is important to let the birds nest in peace.
House martins are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to kill, injure or take an adult bird, or to take, damage or destroy the eggs, young or nest of a house martin whilst it is being built or in use.
The Act allows for fines of up to £5,000 for every bird, egg or nest destroyed, or even custodial sentences. If maintenance work that would affect either a natural or artificial house martin nest needs to be carried out, this should be scheduled for the autumn, winter or early spring when the birds are not in residence. At this time of the year one can remove the nests to carry out the work.
Make sure that you replace any artificial nests to exactly the same spot where they came from house martins are very particular about the exact location of their nest.
Last modified: 23 August 2006