UPDATE: Cambridge takes down anti-bird netting from trees after Chris Packham condemns practice

University says sorry for upset caused and adds that it has begun 'immediate' work to remove huge nets

ByHelena Horton2 March 2020 • 1:23pm

Cambridge University has removed anti-bird netting from trees and said sorry for issued an apology, with the move coming after the netting was condemned by broadcaster Chris Packham.

The netting was placed over around 20 trees on the Cambridge West Site, prompting anger from naturalists.

Organisations frequently net trees during nesting season in order not to break the law by disturbing wild birds during construction work.

However, nature campaigners argue that discouraging birds from nesting and effectively removing their habitat is wrong at a time when many native species are in decline. Netting is also prone to developing rips in which birds can get trapped, starving to death.

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Chris Packham criticises anti-bird netting on Cambridge University trees

28th February

By Press Association 2020

Chris Packham

Chris Packham has branded Cambridge University’s move to cover a row of trees with nets to stop birds from nesting as “absolutely outrageous”, with activists from Extinction Rebellion responding by tearing some of the netting down.

The conservationist’s social media post was prompted by photographs of the trees, with their branches completely encased in netting, on the university’s West Campus.

He wrote: “Seriously? I thought we’d been through this last year! This is absolutely outrageous!”

Chris Packham

✔@ChrisGPackham

Seriously ? I thought we'd been through this last year ! This is absolutely outrageous ! @Natures_Voice @WildlifeTrusts https://twitter.com/birdman1066/status/1232988999981129728 …

Stewart Abbott@birdman1066

Is this anything to do with you @Cambridge_Uni ? Absolutely deplorable decision to put these nets up. #netsdownfornature #nestsnotnets @ChrisGPackham @IoloWilliams2 @Natures_Voice @jazzy_jeff44

The Cambridge branch of Extinction Rebellion described the netting as “appalling” and demanded that it be removed.

It later posted photos of activists tearing down some of the netting under cover of darkness, adding: “We’ve freed some of the Cambridge Uni trees from their nets.”

The RSPB has previously said it is concerned by the use of netting on trees, hedges and bushes to prevent birds from nesting.

It is campaigning for laws to be introduced which would commit governments to ensure the recovery of nature, meaning such practices would come under greater scrutiny.

XR Cambridge@xr_cambridge

"Under cover of darkness on Thursday night, Extinction Rebellion Cambridge activists removed some of the netting, and discovered one willow had also been filled with foam to stop birds nesting in its holes."

https://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/chris-packham-condemns-bird-netting-installed-on-trees-for-university-of-cambridge-as-absolutely-outrageous-9101104/?fbclid=IwAR05MUr8k6vISbBj3pGJseucCG5dm_MXfljt_gQlWl5qzQRI6V6TU3tkR70 …

Chris Packham condemns bird netting installed on trees for University of Cambridge as ‘absolutely...

Extinction Rebellion has removed some of it under cover of darkness.cambridgeindependent.co.uk

It is an offence to disturb nesting birds once they have arrived, but the practice of installing netting to keep them away is legal.

A Cambridge University spokesman said: “Trees near the Whittle Laboratory have had nets put over them to discourage birds from nesting in them, so they will not be disturbed by work to expand the lab.

“The netting will be checked for wildlife three times a day.”

Source

'Incredible bird species' from Wicken Fen Nature Reserve featured in University Museum of Zoology

Harry Rutter

12 February, 2020 - 14:12

Birds from one of Fenland's biggest nature reserves are featured inside one of Cambridge University Museum of Zoology's new galleries.

"Incredible bird species" from the Wicken Fen Nature Reserve near Ely have their own spot in the new collection made up of 13 habitats, showing off more than 200 birds.

Each gallery aims to highlight the conservation work currently taking place to protect the UK's birds, with stories to read in each section.

Wicken Fen is home to over 9,000 species, including rare orchids, cuckoos and bitterns.

Professor Rebecca Kilner, museum director, said: "We are dedicated to sharing the wonders of biodiversity, and we can't wait to welcome visitors to our new British bird gallery.

"The new displays showcase the vital conservation work taking place across the UK - and here in Cambridgeshire - to protect birds and the places where they live."

The University Museum of Zoology in Cambridge is one of the largest natural history collections in the UK, with a rich history dating back to 1814.

In 2018 the Museum reopened after a five-year, £4.1million redevelopment - including nearly £2 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It revealed thousands of specimens, including whales, elephants, a giraffe, giant ground sloth, insects, corals as well as items collected by Charles Darwin.

Anne Jenkins, director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We are lucky to have a diverse range of interesting and important native bird species on our doorsteps.

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