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24 Apr 2025

Planning a New Roof This Spring or Summer? Don’t Forget About Nesting Birds

If you’re replacing or repairing your roof this spring, nesting birds must be considered. Learn how, why it matters, what the law says, and how to make your roof bird-friendly.

Spring marks the perfect opportunity for homeowners to consider upgrades and repairs to their homes, particularly outdoor areas and their roofs. However, there’s much more to think about slates, tiles, and scaffolding. Many birds rely on roofs as a safe nesting spot, and with populations rapidly declining, your renovation plans are more important than ever for protecting local wildlife. 

Every spring, birds such as house sparrows, swifts, and starlings begin to seek out safe, sheltered places to nest and raise their young. Places like small gaps and crevices or the eaves in our roofs are the perfect spot for many birds, so much so that the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), Swift Conservation, and NFRC actively encourage homeowners and contractors to be mindful of nesting birds during roof works. 

Why Should Homeowners Care about Nesting Birds? 

Over the last 25 years, RSPB have estimated that populations of birds like swifts have declined over 60%, with limited access to safe nesting spots being a huge contributor. When we make repairs or replace our roof, we could be taking away the shelter that’s keeping an entire family of birds alive. 

Whether you’re planning repairs or a full roof replacement, bird welfare should be part of the plan. Here’s how to do it right. 

1. Be extra considerate during nesting season 

If you know that birds are nesting, you mustn’t start roofing work. If a nest is discovered during roof work, it is best to leave it alone where possible. If work can’t be paused until the young have flown the nest, contact your Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation (SNCO) for advice. For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk. 

2. Complete a nesting bird survey 

If you have no choice but to complete works during nesting season, a nesting bird survey can ensure you don’t disrupt or destroy any existing nests. 

3. Choose a reliable roofing contractor 

Search the NFRC Member Database for your local contractor and ask them about their knowledge and experience of working with nesting birds. Ask them specifically if they understand the law and how they would carry out work if they discovered a bird’s nest. 

4. Consider bird-friendly features 

If you’re installing a completely new roof, this is a great chance to consider things like: 

  • Including swift bricks or nest boxes into the new design. 
  • Leaving small access points under the eaves for returning birds. 
  • Materials that mimic older, bird-friendly features. 

NFRC has a directory of suppliers and manufacturers who are experts in bird-friendly roof accessories, which you can search here. 

These small changes can make a huge impact on protecting the UK’s wildlife. 

The Law is Clear—And So is the Moral Responsibility 

Disturbing a nest is not only harmful, it’s the law. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it a criminal offence to: 

  • Carry out works that disturb nesting birds or 
  • Remove, block or destroy an active bird’s nest 

You could land in legal trouble if you carry out work during nesting season that affects birds, as well as causing unimaginable harm. 

NFRC has a Guidance Note (GN57 Roof Nesting Birds), which aims to reverse the decline in the bird population in the UK by raising awareness amongst the roofing industry and encouraging the installation of nest boxes. However, homeowners share the responsibility and must be aware of the consequences. 

Ask your roofer: 

  • Are you familiar with the Wildlife and Countryside Act? 
  • Do you carry out wildlife checks before starting? 
  • Can you install swift bricks or leave space for nesting birds? 

A good contractor will know the law—and care about it too. 

A Bird’s Nest Is a Vital Home. 

Birds work tirelessly to create a place to nest. They spend days gathering twigs and preparing somewhere safe and secure. Imagine their dismay upon returning to your roof only to find the entrance to their nest has been sealed up, their young chicks gone. It’s easy to forget the importance of wildlife, but the impact of construction on its livelihood is fatal. 

Think twice before you hurry into your roof replacement, and follow the guidelines set out above. In doing so, you could be helping generations of birds to survive. 

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