Or are my neighbours complete IDIOTS 😂

[Lilianna123]

Another neighbourly dispute, same neighbours that claimed our cat was teasing their dog, and the same neighbours who accused us of stealing blackberries off their bush that happened to grow over my fence.

Well if I hadn't thought they were ridiculous before, I definitely do now.

Woke up this morning to find a note through the door saying they have had a new piano delivered and due to space they were limited on places it could go indoors (not our problem) they are saying where they have placed it is under a window and their view from the piano is a large oak tree which is in our garden. Their problem is that they are saying the many birds nests that are in this tree are distracting and these wild birds are making too much noise therefore distracting them from the piano.

There isn't even a suggestion in the note of what they'd like us to do about it. Not that I would even consider taking any action towards the tree but FFS what on earth are they doing? They don't have a bloody leg to stand on??

Print off the first page of Respighi's The Birds or Handel's Cuckoo and Nightingale and post it back with " Hahahahahaha - you had us going there!"

Tell them you are signed up for birdwatch

Amazingly, find a rare/protected species in January.

Let them know that, sadly for them, but, happily for nature, the tree has to stay because it's the only know nesting spot for the lesser-spotted-but-often-heard-twat.

What the fuck? Seriously that further note is just so self absorbed. I just cannot fathom it.

I don't know if I'd take the piss, ignore, or just refuse. (Or all three?!)

Can they not just close their curtains?

Reply:

Yes we would mind actually. I'm glad that you're enjoying your new piano. We also enjoy having the tree - and the wildlife it attracts - in our garden, so we won't be removing it.

Regards,
OP

Do they have any idea how expensive it is to cut down a tree? Do they expect you to do that based on their piano whim - I don't care how passionate Andy is about his music. I expect birds are kinda passionate about theirs too.

get a quote to cut it down including the root removal and watch them back down really fast. They could build a music room extension for that.

"We hadn't responded and have just had this through the front door!!"

Simply write a note back saying

"The tree won't be coming down ... but don't worry ... I expect your concentration will improve, once you actually learn to play."

No way

Where do these people come from?

Good god! That's mad! I wouldn't get a quote tbh, that might insinuate that you're open to the suggestion of cutting it down.

And how very bold of them to be sitting in their house, watching and waiting for your response and then to pop another though the door! If they want to talk to you, they should be knocking on the door!

It's a large oak tree? Any chance it has a TPO on it? It probably should do if it doesn't yet. Sounds like it's at risk of sabotage from bonkers neighbours.

I would write back
I ignored the original note because I thought it was a wind up. Clearly not. So maybe you need to look up adverse possession. The tree has been there at least x years, and the birds have also been there x years. So it's not my tree to knock down. It's the birds property.

I would also call the noise abatement people in the council. Noise doesn't just have to be after 11pm for it to be a disturbance.

Take up the saxophone.

Aren't oak trees protected anyway so you can't be expected to chop it down?

Please send a note from the birds complaining about the piano music and also about being watched while they're in their nests.

oh they are craycray!

Just knock on the door, return the two notes (or copies!) and say "we are not getting involved in YOUR nonsense"

Contact the local RSPB.

Buy them the sheet music for 'The Lark Ascending'

^ This

Teamed with a note that the tree was there first, and has no intention of becoming a piano.

They are off their rockers.

Oh, and get that TPO. And go for daily tree hugging sessions complete with chanting whenever they are playing the piano.

They'll be the most aggravated by your complete lack of acknowledgement. They want attention, don't give them it :)

They want you to cut down a mature oak tree because they find birds distract them from playing the piano?
Could you suggest curtains would be cheaper and more ecologically sound?
And as pp suggested, a tree preservation order is a good idea

Agreed.

No.

Could you take a sudden interest in piano yourself and put on long complex piano pieces when Andy starts his piano practice? Now, that would be off putting!
Assuming your neighbours are serious, I actually think you should send a note back stating that the tree won't be coming down and that you suggest they re-organise their home to accommodate the piano elsewhere. I would add that you'd appreciate forewarning of piano practice so you can put in your earplugs - at least until playing improves significantly! Entitled sods!

Have a here

They are insane. I can't believe someone wants you to cut down an oak tree for a view and no bird song. You need to get crazy too, say you've buried too many bodies in the roots of the tree and it won't be getting removed. Nutters.

Please write back from the birds and their union rep. Please