THE RSPB has urged the PSNI to investigate whether the chopping down of bushes at the Buttermarket was illegal or not.
Last week workmen cut down a significant amount of greenery as part of the ongoing restoration of the historic Enniskillen market, causing upset locally among those who believed there were birds nesting in the bushes.
Local woman Eileen McLean told the Herald she believed there had been birds living in the bushes, and said she “disgusted” and distressed they had been cut down.
“They told me they had checked for birds but that could not be true as the bushes were full of sparrows and blue tits,” she said.
The RSPB conservation officer Roisin Kearney explained while it was not illegal at any point in the year to cut down a bush or hedge, with the exception of farm hedges, it was a criminal offence to destroy birds, their nests, eggs or chicks.
“It is always advisable that before undertaking any work in the breeding season from March to September to ensure that there are no active nests present,” said Ms Kearney. “Should active nests be present, work must be delayed until all chicks have fledged and the nests have become inactive.”
Ms Kearney confirmed the RSPB had been contacted by concerned members of the Fermanagh public about the Buttermarket cutting and said she understood the matter had been reported to the PSNI.
“We would urge them to investigate the matter thoroughly,” she said.
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