Developers cover trees in massive nets to bend rules which prevent cutting down trees with nesting birds

Many angry and outraged residents took to Twitter to express their disapproval and frustration after developers decided to cover up trees with massive nets as a means to keep birds out during nesting season. 

The Walnut Tree Park housing development which is being built by Sladen Estates have decided to cover a number of trees with massive nets in order to stop birds from nesting in them. This decision and move are probably due to the fact that it is unlawful to cut down trees which have nesting birds under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Locals have called the developer's actions "sickening" and claim that it is resulting in the death of the birds.

A local resident Rebecca Clifford took to Twitter to share, "It is not just birds that cannot get to the trees, think of the insects trapped without thought or care too, it's sickening, our culture has evolved to be quite vile." Another user Trinity Pamela wrote, "If I saw this I'd be up there with a ladder and a pair of scissors, it's the most offensive thing I've seen in a long time." A third user Michael Powell shared, "Disgraceful behavior and equally as bad as the illegal destruction of nests. Should be banned." 

"A very cynical ploy to get around the legislation. I have wondered for many years why no one has taken developers to task for operations that farmers are not allowed to do," Home Farm Magpie wrote on social media. 

Sarah Spencer-Adams tweeted: "Totally insane and cruel. Total disregard for the biosphere obviously."

As reported by Daily Mail, a spokesman for RSPB shared, "This is just another example of us trying to squeeze nature into smaller and smaller spaces. We would ask that developers do this tree and hedge removal work outside the breeding season so that netting is never needed. However it is legal, so if absolutely necessary, it's crucial that it be done properly. This means checking for birds when the netting is fitted, and then ongoing regular checks, as birds often find a way to get under the edge of a net and then get stuck."

"We understand the strength of reaction to the netting of trees at Walnut Tree Park, Guilford but want to reassure everyone that we have taken the correct advice. Due to a delay in planning, the nets are set for removal and the company remains committed to sustainable development," a spokesman for Sladen Estates shared.

We understand the strength of reaction to the netting of trees at Walnut Tree Park, Guildford but want to reassure everyone that we have taken the correct advice. Due to a delay in planning, the nets are set for removal and the company remains committed to sustainable development

— Sladen Estates (@SladenEstates) March 11, 2019