House sparrows

[LittleEsme]

DH are stuck in an argument and we aren't getting anywhere.

A large pine tree has to come down on our property. It's dangerously close to a neighbours bungalow roof and we've managed to just trim it one side to keep it thinned on their side.

We're having to extend our drive and the builders want to get rid of the tree altogether. DH is content with this plus our neighbours will be relieved.

It's full of house sparrows though and I've googled that they nest from April to August. I'm absolutely torn and don't know how to manage this.

DH is adamant. The tree has to come down but it's full of birds - it's too thick to see nests etc.

Help!

Can you wait until later in the year?

Im not sure whether you mean it's urgent because of the neighbours roof (in which case maybe not) or if there's a safe option to keep it.

If there's a safe option to keep it I would.. I'd never remove a tree unless had to.

Be mindful however that the roots may also be causing damage

It is illegal to disturb nesting birds. That's all you need to know.

We've had the go ahead for builders to start in June so I'm really concerned.

Nesting is April to August🙈

@Tambora

It is illegal to disturb nesting birds. That's all you need to know.

Thank you. I was working on it being morally wrong. If it's illegal, that decides it.

DH wants to check for nests - if he doesn't see any, he's taking it down now.

It’s illegal. The nests are hard to see but we have them on the ivy growing up the front of our house. The constant chirping is delightful and hard to miss. If your tree is chirping all day, they are nesting and it is illegal
To disrurb them.

Please note that sparrows are on the red list for being an at risk species.

www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/uk-conservation-status-explained/

"To be on the red list you need to be a bird of highest conservation concern, meaning you're in a pretty bad way. You've declined very rapidly, you're at risk of extinction globally, or you are historically depleted,”

www.theguardian.com/uk/2002/aug/16/ruralaffairs.science

Your husband is not only being very irresponsible and unethical in terms of the destruction of the tree in nesting season but could be in breach of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/wildlife-and-the-law/wildlife-and-countryside-act/

I'd keep the tree and ditch the h. Couldn't be with someone who cares so little for other creatures