§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent changes there have been or are planned to(a) legislation and (b) directions and guidance to the railway industry and local authorities, relating to the presence of birds on railway property. [99773]
§ Mr. MorleyI have been asked to reply.
All wild birds are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which implements the EC Wild Birds Directive. Licences can be issued under section 16 of the Act to derogate from this protection for specific reasons, such as public health and safety. There have not been any changes to the remit of this derogation power.
The Department does not issue directions or guidance to the railway industry or local authorities relating to the presence of wild birds on railway properties. However, where railway companies or local authorities propose to remove trees or scrub from railway properties, my Department would advise that such work is undertaken outside of the breeding and rearing season.