Black Redstart

[stonefamily]

We are lucky enough to have a pair of Black Redstarts present at work all year round.A few weeks ago I saw the male had become trapped in one of our workshops,I opened all the doors and let him out.A couple of weeks later,one of my colleagues told me about a bird nesting in an unrestored vehicle,he asked me to identify it,it was the Redstarts.They have fledged with about 3 young in the last week and now they have gone I looked in the area of the nest and found 2 more older nests.It appears they have been regular users of this vehicle even though it has moved within the workshop.
Can anyone tell me if Black Redstart nests are afforded anymore protection than other species as someone has told me they have to be reported.
I must hasten to add I don't work in Hampshire.

[davercox]

Yes they are. Black Redstart is a "Schedule 1" species in England (because of their rarity): which it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb at, on or near an ‘active’ nest. I'm pretty sure there's no law that says such a nest has to be reported.
Hope an expert on the law will help you shortly.

[bitterntwisted]

I'm pretty sure there's no law that says such a nest has to be reported.

There isn't. But the county recorder would be very interested to hear of the record and you shoudl let them know. You say it wasn't in Hampshire? There's a contact list for all county recorders here... http://www.bto.org/birdtrack/bird_recording/county_bird_recorder.htm

Graham