Knowledge base: Nest boxes and nesting birds
Can I remove a bird’s nest?
Not while it is active. In England and Wales, section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built. The RSPB’s advice is to wait until the chicks have left before you remove a nest or block its way in.
What the law says
The England and Wales text of section 1(1) says a person who intentionally:
- kills, injures or takes any wild bird,
- takes, damages or destroys the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built, or
- takes or destroys an egg of any wild bird
is guilty of an offence. The Scottish version of the same section also covers reckless acts and interfering with nests. For birds listed on Schedule 1, disturbing them while they build a nest or while they are at a nest with eggs or young is a further offence.
This is a summary of the text on legislation.gov.uk, not legal advice.
What the RSPB suggests
- If you find an active nest in your home, do not remove it.
- Wait until the chicks have left before removing the nest or blocking the entrance.
- If you must stop birds getting in, do it in winter when they are not nesting. The RSPB notes pigeons can nest all year round.
- If building work cannot wait, contact Natural England, NatureScot, Natural Resources Wales or DAERA for advice.
For birds in a roof, see birds are nesting in my roof.
Sources
- legislation.gov.uk: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, section 1, opened 14 November 2026.
- RSPB: Birds in the roof, opened 14 November 2026.