The birds

The birds

Since an active nest, as the law decrees,

Can’t be wrecked by a builder investing,

Building companies put nets over trees

And hedgerows to prevent birds from nesting.

For lawfully, if there’s no active nest,

Or birds aren’t trapped or hurt in other ways,

Trees can be felled without fear of arrest,

Hence the Home Builders Federation says,

That, in compliance with planning consent,

The netting aligns with the relevant

Requirements (needs?) of the environment

And felled trees are subject to replacement.

Still the birds continue to disappear;

Declining in numbers year upon year.