The code puts the interests of birds first and respects other people, whether or not they are interested in birds.
It applies not just when you are at a nature reserve, but whenever you are watching birds in the UK or abroad.
It will be most effective if we lead by example and sensitively challenge the minority of birdwatchers who behave inappropriately.
Five things to remember:
1. Avoid disturbing birds and their habitats - the birds' interests should always come first
2. Be an ambassador for birdwatching
3. Know the law and the rules for visiting the countryside, and follow them
4. Send your sightings to the County Bird Recorder and the Birdtrack website
5. Think about the interests of wildlife and local people before passing on news of a rare bird, especially during the breeding season.
Birds, habitat and the law:
Laws protecting birds and their habitats have helped to secure the conservation of many species. They are the result of hard campaigning by generations of birdwatchers. We must make sure that we don't allow them to fall into disrepute.
In England, Scotland and Wales, it is a criminal offence to disturb, intentionally or recklessly, at or near the nest, a species listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Disturbance could include playback of songs and calls. The courts can impose fines of up to £5,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to six months for each offence.
It is a criminal offence to disturb intentionally a bird at or near the nest under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.
In Scotland, disturbance of capercaillie and ruffs at leks is also an offence.
The government can, for particular reasons such as scientific study, issue licences to individuals that permit limited disturbance, including monitoring of nests and ringing.
It is a criminal offence to destroy or damage, intentionally or recklessly, a special interest feature of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or to disturb the wildlife for which the site was notified. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a fine of up to £20,000 may be imposed by the Magistrates' Court, or an unlimited fine by the Crown Court. In Scotland, the maximum fine on summary conviction is £40,000, or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment.
If you witness anyone who you suspect may be illegally disturbing or destroying wildlife or habitat, phone the police immediately (ideally, with a six-figure map reference) and report it to the RSPB.
For further information regarding the code, please go to:
RSPB The interests of the bird come first. RSPB Be an ambassador for birdwatching RSPB Respect the countrside RSPB Keeping records RSPB Rare Birds Birdwatchers Code partners
Please start a new thread if you wish to discuss any part of the code.
Thanks.
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