Officials are urging people to be particularly careful around animals during the peak breeding season after reports surfaced that bird nesting areas were affected during grounds maintenance at a park in the Bradford district.

Concern was raised at the beginning of the week when contractors working on an island within a park lake unintentionally displaced a swan that was in the process of incubating eggs. The park’s name has been withheld to avoid people deliberately disturbing the nest.

Although the swan eventually returned to its eggs, conservation experts say the incident illustrates how susceptible birds are during reproduction when their environment is disturbed.

A local resident, who wished to remain unidentified, said they became aware of the vegetation clearing after being informed that teams were using chainsaws on the island, an area known for bird breeding activity.

The source said a swan had been sitting on eggs on the island for several weeks and that the surrounding vegetation had previously provided cover. They believed the clearance work exposed the nest and expressed concern about the impact on other wildlife in the area.

The resident stated that multiple birds are nesting on and around that island, and that this is about protecting all wildlife using the area, not just one bird.

The same person also reported that when they returned the following day, they appeared to find damage to another bird’s nest nearby.

Council response

Bradford Council representatives said operatives had inspected the specific trees marked for cutting before starting work, but had not carried out a full survey of the entire island.

A council spokesperson said that when an active swan nest was spotted during the work, operations were halted immediately.

The spokesperson explained that a nesting swan was temporarily disturbed but returned to its eggs shortly after workers left the island, and that any remaining work would be completed once the island is no longer in use by nesting birds.

Expert advice on breeding season

Conservation organisations say cases like this highlight why people need to be vigilant during the nesting period, which typically runs from March to September.

Gavin Thomas, an ecologist working for the RSPB, said that disturbance during this time can cause birds to abandon their nests entirely.

He said that birds need quiet conditions and when frightened, they sense danger and may leave their nests. Staying on marked paths and keeping dogs on leads is essential, as many species nest at or near ground level.

Mr Thomas also said that vulnerable species such as skylarks and lapwings are at particular risk, with chicks and eggs susceptible to being destroyed, exposed to bad weather, or falling prey to predators if nests are left unattended.

The RSPB advises against trimming hedges or trees between March and September, sticking to footpaths, and giving breeding birds plenty of space. The organisation has also updated its guidance on feeding birds, recommending that from May 1 through October 31, people stop putting out seeds and peanuts to reduce the risk of disease, while maintaining hygiene if feeding continues.

RSPCA guidance

An RSPCA spokesperson described nesting season as a particularly sensitive time.

They said that even actions intended to help by humans can lead to parent birds abandoning their nests, eggs, or offspring. They added that when coming across nesting birds, the best approach is to keep well away and avoid any interference.

The RSPCA advises that young birds should only be handled if they are injured or in immediate danger, and any concerns should be reported to appropriate authorities.