Noted Surrey colony of at-risk swifts destroyed during nesting season
Summary
A building in Surrey that was a key nesting site for at-risk swifts was demolished during their nesting season, despite legal protections. Conservation groups and residents say this demolition harmed the local swift population and raised concerns about wildlife protection enforcement.Key Facts
- Swifts are among the UK’s most at-risk bird species.
- The demolished building, Regent House near Dorking station, was home to a large swift population.
- The UK law prohibits destroying or disturbing wild bird nests during the nesting season (March 1 to August 31).
- The demolition happened during this protected nesting period, despite warnings from residents and conservation groups.
- The developers, Clarion housing association and Hill Group, said they worked with ecologists but did not confirm whether a proper inspection took place.
- Several criminal complaints were filed with Surrey police for breaching wildlife protection laws.
- Birds were filmed trying to return to their destroyed nests, showing the impact on the swift population.
- Conservationists emphasize that demolishing outside of nesting season would have prevented harm to the birds.
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