Bird Scarers
Bird scarers are essential for farmers to help protect certain crops and are not illegal. If a farmer or landowner is using a bird scarer, they must make sure that they are not causing a statutory nuisance to others and that the scarers are used in accordance with theBird Scarer Code of Practice (opens new window) produced by the National Farmers Union (NFU).
As a minimum, operators of bird scarers should:
- Place the scarer as far away from residential properties as possible, point them in the opposite direction and use baffles.
- Avoid using auditory scarers within 200m of sensitive buildings before 7am (or 6am if sunrise is earlier)
- Take note of the prevailing wind when siting scarers.
- Use reflective or absorbent baffles (e.g. straw bales) to concentrate the sound onto the field and away from neighbouring properties.
- Try not to use auditory scarers on a Sunday
If you are experiencing disruption from a bird scarer and you know who owns it, you may wish to make them aware of the problems you are experiencing. They may not be aware that it is causing you a problem.
If approaching the farmer is not successful, or you do not know who is responsible, you can report the problem to us. You may be asked to complete monitoring forms, which will allow us to create a picture of how often and at what times of the day the bird scarer is being used.
If you are a farmer or landowner please register your bird scarer with the Council using the button below. This is only a short form and the information would let us know where they are being used in the Breckland area, so that any issues can be resolved quickly and easily.
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