Nesting Season Has Arrived
Spring brings the delightful sound of birdsong across Cambridgeshire, heralding the start of nesting season. Whilst this annual renewal of life brings joy to many, it can present unique challenges for homeowners—particularly when birds choose your chimney as their ideal nesting spot. As Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps certified professionals serving Cambridge and surrounding areas, we’ve witnessed firsthand how these seasonal visitors can impact your chimney’s safety and functionality.
Understanding Bird Nesting Behaviour
Nesting season typically runs from April through July, during which jackdaws become particularly active in seeking suitable nesting sites. These intelligent birds, naturally adapted to nesting in tree hollows and rock crevices, find our chimneys especially appealing. Their remarkable architectural abilities can create substantial structures within your chimney, sometimes requiring significant professional intervention to address.
Recent data from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service indicates that blocked chimneys contribute to approximately 15% of domestic fires in our region, with bird nests being a significant factor. This statistic underscores the importance of proper chimney maintenance and protection.
Signs of Bird Nesting in Your Chimney
Watch for these common indicators:
- Twigs and debris falling into your fireplace
- Scratching or chirping sounds from your chimney
- Birds frequently flying around your chimney pot
- Unusual draughts or smoke problems
- In severe cases, birds entering your living space
Some Cambridge homeowners have reported finding substantial amounts of nesting material in their fireplaces, and in extreme cases, we’ve removed nests that filled multiple bags—a recent removal required four hours of careful work and generated 35 bags of nesting material!
The Hidden Dangers
Bird nests in chimneys present several serious risks:
- Fire Hazards: Dried nesting materials can become excellent kindling for chimney fires
- Carbon Monoxide Risks: Blocked flues prevent proper ventilation of harmful gases
- Structural Issues: Large nests can damage chimney linings
- Health Concerns: Bird droppings can carry harmful parasites and bacteria
Legal Considerations and Protection
It’s crucial to note that birds’ nests and eggs are protected by law. We never remove active nests during nesting season—this would be both illegal and unethical. Only once birds have naturally moved on can we safely remove old nesting material.
Professional Nest Removal
When dealing with bird nests, professional removal is essential because:
- Nests can be surprisingly large and deeply embedded
- Proper equipment and expertise are required
- Safety precautions must be observed
- Complete removal is necessary to prevent future nesting
Prevention: The Best Solution
Installing appropriate chimney protection is crucial. We recommend:
- Professional bird guard installation
- Regular chimney maintenance
- Annual chimney sweeping
- Early spring inspections before nesting season
Carbon Monoxide Safety
The presence of nests can create dangerous carbon monoxide situations. We strongly recommend:
- Installing carbon monoxide detectors
- Regular testing of alarms
- Annual chimney inspections
- Immediate action if you suspect blockages
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to install chimney protection?
The ideal time is immediately after your autumn/winter sweep, before the spring nesting season begins. This ensures your chimney is clean and protected before birds begin seeking nesting sites.
How long does nest removal take?
The time varies significantly depending on the nest’s size and location. Simple removals might take an hour, while complex cases can require several hours of careful work.
What types of birds typically nest in chimneys?
In the Cambridge area, jackdaws are the most common culprits. Their natural nesting habits make chimneys particularly attractive to them.
Can I remove a bird’s nest myself?
We strongly advise against this. Professional removal ensures safety, compliance with wildlife protection laws, and complete clearing of the flue.
Contact Your Local Chimney Experts
We offer comprehensive chimney services across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Essex and Hertfordshire:
- HETAS-approved chimney sweeping
- CCTV chimney surveys
- Cre-away creosote removal
- Emergency support
- Bird nest removal
- Flue cleaning for Agas, gas appliances, and boilers
Contact us for Trading Standards Approved chimney services and advice:
- 01223 627012
- hello@ablewight.co.uk
Our HETAS-registered and Trading Standards Approved professionals can advise on your chimney’s specific needs and maintenance requirements across Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket, Royston, Saffron Walden, St Ives, Huntingdon, St Neots, and Bishop’s Stortford.
Why Choose Ablewight?
- HETAS registered professionals
- Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps certified
- Trading Standards Approved
- Extensive local experience
- Comprehensive chimney services
- Expert advice
