Town still can't take down Christmas tree - because pigeon is nesting in it

12 June 2023 , 23:14

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Beverley Town Council has revealed that shortly before it was due to be taken down, a wood pigeon began nesting in the tree (Image: BBC)

Officials have revealed why a Christmas tree is still up in the centre of a town, six months after it should have been taken down.

The tree in Wednesday Market was put up last November in Beverley, to celebrate the festive season and was scheduled for removal after 12th night - but with summer in full swing, the tree remains firmly in place, its once-green foliage now turned an autumnal copper colour.

Now, Beverley Town Council has revealed that shortly before it was due to be taken down, a wood pigeon began nesting in the tree - leaving officials with an unusual dilemma.

Once the nest was spotted, to remove the tree would have been against the law, which protects nesting birds. It might also have been contrary to the spirit of Christmas, given that birds were now calling it home, reports Hull Live.

Councillor Alison Healy, who chairs Beverley Town Council’s planning environment and services committee, explained: "When members of the public reported that birds were nesting in the tree, the Town Council realised it had to follow the law and leave the tree in place so as to not disturb them.

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Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is against the law to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built (SWNS)

"As time has gone by, the once green needles of the tree are now copper in colour, but remarkably very few have fallen off, so it is still thick with foliage.

"However, because people have been understandably asking the Town Council why we have not removed it yet, notices have been placed on the tree explaining the situation”.

Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is against the law to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.

The tree in Wednesday Market was put up last November to celebrate the festive season and was scheduled for removal after 12th night (BBC)

The Town Council is working with East Riding Council, which will monitor the situation and remove the tree once it is satisfied that the nest is no longer in use.

For now, the tree remains, still adorned with its fairly lights, though looking a little forlorn.

Speaking to BBC Look North, Cllr Healy added: “Whilst some people may think we’ve forgotten to remove the tree, Beverley Town Council wants to assure them that this is not the case. We are fully aware of the situation and simply have to adhere to the law.

"In the meantime, we hope the birds enjoy their temporary town centre, high-rise residence.”

Abigail O'Leary