Birder’s Code ➕
A Simplified Birdwatcher’s Code of Conduct
- The welfare of birds must always come first.
- Do not damage habitat.
- Keep disturbance to a minimum.
- Never disturb birds at the nest.
- Keeps sites of rare breeding species confidential. If you feel protection is necessary, inform the SOC; they have close co-operation with the RSPB Regional Office.
- Do not harass rare migrants. Consider all the circumstances very carefully before making the sighting known. If necessary keep the sighting secret until the bird has moved on.
- Abide by the legal requirements of the Wildlife & Countryside Act and other legislation at all times.
- Respect the rights of landowners.
- Obey the Countryside Code.
- Respect the rights of other birdwatchers and other countryside users.
- Keep records of important sightings and make sure the SOC receives them through BirdTrack or the County Bird Recorder.
- When bird watching abroad, behave as you would expect to behave in Britain.
Wildlife photographers have a particular responsibility towards their subjects, particularly when working close to nests. For more on this, see the following statement from the Nature Group of the Royal Photographic Society.
Scotland - access rights on land
In Scotland, you can go on most land to enjoy the outdoors, as long as you behave responsibly and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
At Sea
NatureScot has also published useful information about protecting wildlife while birdwatching in The Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code and A Guide to Best Practice for Watching Marine Wildlife.
Birds and the law
Laws protecting birds and their habitats are the result of hard campaigning by generations of birders. We mustn’t undermine this valuable work by tolerating disregard for these laws.
Birds and the law
Laws protecting birds and their habitats are the result of hard campaigning by generations of birders. We mustn’t undermine this valuable work by tolerating disregard for these laws.
Schedule 1 species
It is a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb, at or near the nest, any species listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Disturbance can include the playback of songs and calls. In Scotland, disturbing leks of Capercaillie or Ruff is also an offence. With a successful prosecution, the courts can impose fines of up to £5,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to six months for each offence.
The Government can, for particular reasons such as scientific study, issue licences to individuals that permit limited disturbance, including monitoring of nests and ringing.
It is a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb, at or near the nest, any species listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Disturbance can include the playback of songs and calls. In Scotland, disturbing leks of Capercaillie or Ruff is also an offence. With a successful prosecution, the courts can impose fines of up to £5,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to six months for each offence.
The Government can, for particular reasons such as scientific study, issue licences to individuals that permit limited disturbance, including monitoring of nests and ringing.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
It is a criminal offence to destroy or damage, intentionally or recklessly, a special interest feature of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or to disturb the wildlife for which the site was notified. In Scotland, the maximum fine on summary conviction is £40,000, or an unlimited fine on conviction or indictment.
It is a criminal offence to destroy or damage, intentionally or recklessly, a special interest feature of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or to disturb the wildlife for which the site was notified. In Scotland, the maximum fine on summary conviction is £40,000, or an unlimited fine on conviction or indictment.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a fine of up to £20,000 may be imposed by a Magistrates’ Court, or an unlimited fine by a Crown Court.
If you witness anyone who you suspect may be illegally disturbing or destroying wildlife or habitat, phone the police immediately and report it to the RSPB. The RSPB has published detailed guidance on how to report wildlife crime.
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