Well all who signed this will have received the same response as I have.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/250845?reveal_response=yes
The first part just makes me spit:
"Government responded:
Birds that habitually use the same nests have their nests protected year round. Swallows, swifts and martins may return to sites but nest elsewhere. It is practical to protect nests while in use." ....
..."Birds which habitually use the same nests, white-tailed eagles, ospreys and golden eagles, have their nests protected year round, even when not in use.
In the case of swallows, swifts and martins, nests will remain in use throughout the summer until the birds leave on their autumn migration. They may return to the same sites for nesting, but these birds can and will, nest elsewhere. That is why the priority is to protect the nests while they are in use."
- In other words, to
not protect them at other times.
The martin nests here have been in continuous use - every year for the entire time I've lived here - i.e. for 15 years.
