A building in Surrey that served as a critical nesting site for swifts, one of the UK's most at-risk bird species, has been demolished during the nesting season, sparking outrage among conservationists who say it highlights weak protections for wildlife from development.
Demolition During Nesting Season
Contractors for housebuilder Hill Group demolished Regent House near Dorking station in Surrey over the last few weeks, despite the nesting season running from March 1 to August 31. Footage captured last week shows swifts attempting to return to their nests in the building, only to find it gone.
The building was known to host one of the largest swift populations in the Mole Valley area. Volunteers from the Swift Protection Association Reigate had recorded up to 40 birds using about 20 nesting sites in the eaves for several years.
Legal Protections and Alleged Violations
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it is an offense to intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. Annie Griffin of Banstead Swifts said residents alerted Surrey police wildlife officers and Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) in early May after swifts returned from migration, but demolition proceeded anyway.
"Conservationists are now describing the incident as a significant wildlife crime," Griffin said. Regent House was demolished as part of a development of 126 flats by Clarion housing association. An impact assessment by Arbtech environmental consultancy recommended that demolition occur outside nesting season or that an ecological expert inspect the site beforehand.
Developers' Response
Hill Group and Clarion declined to answer whether such an inspection took place or why the timeframe could not be avoided. In a statement, they said they worked with independent ecologists and the local planning authority to ensure all works complied with approved planning requirements.
Julia Hemsley of Dorking Swift Conservation expressed disgust: "It would have been a simple thing to have carried out the demolition outside the nesting season. These birds have been let down." Amy Brewer, who filmed the swifts' return, had watched them nesting two weeks earlier.
Broader Implications
Swifts are on the UK red list of conservation concern, with populations declining by about 60% since the 1990s. They nest almost exclusively in gaps under roof tiles and in walls of older buildings, making them vulnerable to demolition and renovation. Despite campaigns for mandatory swift bricks in new homes, the UK government only recommends them, while Scotland has made them mandatory.
Paul Powlesland of Lawyers for Nature said the Wildlife and Countryside Act provides woefully inadequate protections. "We need to change the law to protect nesting holes even when not in use and fund a proper wildlife police force."
Councillor Bradley Nelson of MVDC said approved documents do not absolutely prohibit demolition during nesting season but require a nesting bird check within 48 hours prior. The council is reviewing whether requirements were met and has issued a temporary stop notice. Surrey police have been approached for comment.
