Wiltshire Police have issued a reminder to the public as the nesting season begins, urging people to understand their legal responsibilities around wild birds.
The force’s Rural Crime Team said all wild birds are protected by law, with different schedules outlining the level of protection afforded to each species.
Schedule 1 species receive the highest level of protection, while Schedule 4 species are subject to a lower level, but remain protected.
Birds including bitterns, barn owls and ospreys are listed under Schedule 1, along with other species that are low in numbers, threatened or in decline.
Dog owners are being advised to keep their pets on leads when walking in the countryside to avoid disturbing ground-nesting birds.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take a wild bird.
It is also an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy a wild bird’s nest while it is being used or built, or to intentionally take or destroy a wild bird’s egg.
The legislation makes it illegal to possess, control or transport live or dead wild birds, or parts of them, including eggs.
Selling wild birds or displaying them for sale is prohibited, as is using banned methods to kill or take wild birds.
The Act also makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild bird listed on Schedule 1 while it is building a nest, at a nest containing eggs or young, or to disturb dependent young.
Wiltshire Police are urging people to educate themselves and act responsibly around wildlife.
Anyone who suspects a crime has been committed is asked to report it via the force’s website at www.wiltshire.police.uk. In an emergency, call 999.
