People with chimneys could risk prosecutions because of birds. (Image: Getty)
Households with chimneys are being warned to stop using their fireplaces immediately if they discover a bird’s nest inside.
The RSPB has urged households to check their chimneys for nesting birds this spring, though some birds, such as doves and pigeons, nest all year round.
The wildlife charity says homes with fireplaces cannot use or light them if they discover birds living in their chimney breast.
Those who use their chimney, such as for a need to sweep it regularly and fit a guard known as a ‘cowl’ to it.
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The RSPB says: “It’s best to prevent birds nesting in chimneys – it reduces the risk of chimney fires, as well as avoiding injury to the birds and damage to their nest. You can do this by having chimneys swept regularly and by fitting a cowl to the chimney pot to prevent access.”
The charity warns: “If you have an active nest in your chimney, it must be left alone, with no fires lit until the nest is no longer in use. This is both for your safety, as well as that of the birds and their nest contents.
“Once the nest is no longer active, have the chimney sweep out and get a cowl fitted either by the chimney sweep or a builder.”
Sometimes, you might hear a bird stuck in your chimney that isn’t nesting. If that happens, wait until it’s night, then shine a light into your fireplace. The bird will fly towards the light, thinking it’s daylight, and you can then catch it in a sheet. Assuming it’s not injured, simply release it outside, then seal up your chimney
Shield Pest Control adds: “Whilst all bird species could choose to build nests in your chimneys, the most common species known to do this is a Jackdaw.
There are an estimated 1.4 million pairs of Jackdaws in the UK, and with so many birds flying around, it’s not surprising that some of them choose to make themselves at home in our chimneys.
“Other, less common species who have been known to nest in chimneys are Rooks and Starlings. All of these bird species will use the chimney to create a safe spot to nest and welcome their young into the world before allowing them to fly the nest…literally!”
The company also warns that, of course, damaging a bird’s nest will open you up to a prosecution under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which can see you fined if just one bird or egg is harmed.
They added: “Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it is an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy any active wild bird’s nest in the UK, including those residing in your chimney.
“Therefore, you must wait until the nest is no longer active until you can remove the nest. You must also not light fires until the nests have been vacated, hence the importance to bird proof your chimney to begin with and avoid a bird from nesting there.”