CIEEM statement on tree and hedge netting

CIEEM is aware that members may occasionally suggest the use of netting to prevent birds nesting in trees/hedges but this should usually only be in circumstances where planning permission has already been granted, and only where there are unlikely to be any risks to other protected species.

We were unaware until recently of reports of bird fatalities as a result of the use of such nets, which would obviously be a cause for concern, and we stress that netting should not be used without advice from a competent ecologist.

We will be raising the matter with Natural England shortly.