Noted Surrey colony of at-risk swifts destroyed during nesting season
A notable nesting site for at-risk swifts in Surrey was demolished during their nesting season, raising concerns about wildlife protection. Campaigners argue that this incident highlights the weaknesses in environmental regulations regarding development. The demolition has been described as a significant wildlife crime, prompting criminal complaints and calls for better enforcement of protections.
- ▪Regent House, a known habitat for nesting swifts, was demolished by Hill Group during the nesting season.
- ▪Footage showed swifts attempting to return to their nests, which were no longer there after the demolition.
- ▪Demolition during the nesting season is restricted under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and complaints have been filed with Surrey police.
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| Original publisher | World news | The Guardian |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jun/03/noted-surrey-colony-of-at-risk-swifts-destroyed-during-nesting-season |
| Publication time | Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:00:44 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-06-03T06:11:56.795Z |
| Last seen | 2026-06-03T06:35:53.945Z |
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An image taken in spring 2024 of a swift in flight in front of Regent House near Dorking, which was demolished last week. Photograph: Piotr Szczypa/Swift Protection Association ReigateAn image taken in spring 2024 of a swift in flight in front of Regent House near Dorking, which was demolished last week. Photograph: Piotr Szczypa/Swift Protection Association ReigateBirdsNoted Surrey colony of at-risk swifts destroyed during nesting season Campaigners say builders’ demolition of nest site highlights weak protection of wildlife from developmentSandra LavilleWed 3 Jun 2026 02.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 3 Jun 2026 02.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA building that was a noted nesting site for swifts, among the UK’s most at-risk birds, has been demolished during the nesting season,…
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