Warning on damage to birds' nests

People in Powys are being warned that they could face jail and be fined up to £5,000 if they are caught causing any harm to house martins.

Police say there has been a rise in householders illegally removing or blocking access to nests.

A spokeswoman said: "We just want to remind householders that house martins are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which makes it an offence to kill, injure or take any bird.

"It also makes it an offence to take, damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird while it is in use or being built and also to take or destroy the egg of a wild bird."

She said the maximum sentence for anyone caught breaking the law could be six months in jail and a fine of £5,000.

The house martin is a small bird with glossy blue-black and pure white plumage.

They are summer migrants and spend their winters in Africa. Although still numerous and widespread, recent moderate declines earn them a place on the Amber List of birds under threat.

The spokeswoman added: "The breeding season runs from May to August when insects are abundant but some chicks are still in the nest in September."

For more details call the Police Wildlife Crime Officer on 0845 3302000.