The recent closure of South Tyneside Magistrates' Court has sent shockwaves through the property management community, highlighting a growing challenge facing building managers across the North East.
The court’s closure, forced by rotting seagull carcasses and a subsequent maggot infestation, serves as a stark reminder of how wildlife-related issues can rapidly escalate from a minor concern to a major operational issue.
For property managers, such incidents represent their worst nightmare – not only dealing with the immediate problem but also facing potential reputational damage, health and safety concerns, and significant financial implications. The situation becomes even more complex when considering the strict legal framework surrounding wildlife protection, particularly during nesting season.
Navigating Legal Compliance
The complexity of managing bird-related issues extends beyond the practical challenges. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provides strict protection for nesting birds, with severe penalties for violations including unlimited fines and potential imprisonment.
Property managers must therefore walk a delicate line between maintaining their buildings and ensuring wildlife protection.
Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is a criminal offence to:
- Intentionally take, damage, or destroy any active bird nest
- Kill, injure, or take chicks or adult birds
- Take or destroy eggs
- Disturb nesting birds
Violations can result in:
- Unlimited fines
- Up to six months imprisonment
- A criminal record
- Reputational damage
Our approach helps navigate these complexities by providing detailed insights without causing disturbance.
The high-resolution imaging and thermal mapping capabilities of our drones allow for comprehensive assessments while maintaining a safe distance from any wildlife present. This enables property managers to make informed decisions about maintenance scheduling and implement preventative measures at the most appropriate times.
The Cost of Inaction
When buildings like the South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court face closure, the ripple effects extend far beyond the immediate clean-up costs. Business operations grind to a halt, staff productivity plummets, and public services face disruption. More concerning still is the potential health risk to occupants and the long-term structural damage that can occur when bird-related issues go unchecked.
“What we’re seeing increasingly is that reactive approaches to building maintenance simply aren’t sufficient anymore,” explains Will Vennard, Business Unit Director at Lucion Survey Ltd. “The cost of emergency responses, both financially and operationally, far outweighs the investment in preventative measures. Property managers need a proactive strategy that addresses these challenges before they escalate into crises.”
Nesting Birds Best Practice Guidelines
To ensure both building maintenance and wildlife protection, property managers should:
Plan Ahead
- Schedule surveys before nesting season begins
- Implement preventative measures based on survey findings
- Plan maintenance works outside nesting season where possible
Regular Monitoring
- Conduct routine drone surveys to track bird activity
- Document any changes in nesting patterns
- Maintain detailed records for compliance purposes
Emergency Response
- Know when to contact wildlife authorities
- Maintain contact information for wildlife crime officers
- Have procedures in place for unexpected wildlife encounters
What To Do If You Discover Nesting Birds
If nesting birds are found during maintenance or survey work:
1. Immediate Actions
- Stop all work in the affected area
- Contact qualified ecological specialists
- Document the situation with photos/videos (if safe)
2. Reporting Procedures
- Contact local police on 101 for wildlife crime concerns
- Report to RSPB Wildlife Enquiries (01767 693690)
- Submit reports through the RSPB website if necessary
How To Prevent Issues from Nesting Birds
Recognising these challenges, our land and building surveying team from Lucion Survey Ltd and our Ecology team from Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd, have developed Roof Condition Drone Surveys, an innovative approach that transforms how building managers can monitor and maintain their properties.
By combining state-of-the-art drone technology with expert surveying and ecological knowledge, we’re offering a non-invasive, cost-effective solution that provides unprecedented insight into roof conditions and potential wildlife issues.
Our drone-enabled surveys have already proved transformative for numerous commercial properties across the North East. In one recent project, our team helped a major industrial estate identify and address potential nesting sites before they became problematic, while simultaneously reducing survey costs by 60% compared to traditional methods.
You can read our most recent Drone Nesting Bird Survey Case Study here: https://www.luciongroup.com/what-we-do/case-studies/drone-nesting-bird-survey/
“What we’re increasingly seeing is the intersection of urban development and wildlife habitat management. Traditional survey methods often struggle to provide the comprehensive coverage needed for large commercial properties, particularly when it comes to roof-nesting birds.
Our drone technology, combined with ecological expertise, offers a game-changing solution that protects both wildlife and property assets. We can now identify potential nesting sites and implement preventative measures before issues escalate, while ensuring full compliance with wildlife legislation.”
– Jonathan Spencer, Associate Ecology Consulting, Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd.
Adapting to Urban Wildlife
The challenges of urban wildlife management aren’t going away. If anything, they’re likely to increase as our cities continue to evolve and bird populations adapt to urban environments. However, by embracing innovative technologies and taking a proactive approach to building maintenance, property managers can stay ahead of these challenges.
Don’t wait for a crisis to assess your roof condition.
Contact CAA-approved drone operating team today to learn how our drone survey service can protect your property while ensuring compliance with wildlife regulations
