A Christmas tree in the market town Beverley remains standing in June because a family of birds have made it their home, according to the town council.
The birds began to nest in the tree shortly before it was scheduled for removal after the holiday season which prevented the council from taking it down.
Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is against the law to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.
Cllr Alison Healy, chair of Beverley Town Council’s Planning Environment and Services Committee, explained: ‘When members of the public reported that birds were nesting in the tree, the town council realised it had to follow the law and leave the tree in place so as to not disturb them.
‘As time has gone by, the once green needles of the tree are now copper in colour, but remarkably very few have fallen off, so it is still thick with foliage. However, because people have been understandably asking the town council why we have not removed it yet, notices have been placed on the tree explaining the situation.’
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