Nest site now obstructed by scaffolding

[Banstead Swifts]

24 hours of emails since Raven Housing Trust finally responded to the obstructed nest issue.

We have a complete loss of trust and confidence in them now.

First response after the petiton and the whole thread since. Start at the bottom. 

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The Obstuction of Nest 1 Continues:

Re: Urgent Re: Banstead Swifts scaffolding

Banstead Swifts <banstea...@gmail.com>

16:58 (4 hours ago)

to Jonathan, Justin, Raven, Glyn

Dear Jonathan

Can I remind you that you were not accused of being criminals, but reminded that by having scaffolding up (and for a completely avoidable situation,if the issue had of been addressed on 16th March, when it would have saved money and a huge amount of entirely unneccesary work from ALL of us) it  is indeed breaking the law. I am reliably  advised it leaves all of the board personally liable to prosecution. It is a point or courtesy to notify you of this when you don't seem to be aware.

 I would suggest you consider your interpretation and familiarise yourself with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Amended) because we have flagged this up to you as a consideration. It is not the first time that RHT has had to be reminded of its responsibility under the Act in its work.

If you wish to take issue with the Wildlife Act 2015 then I suggest you take this up with representatives in parliament directly. For now, we must work within the law that we have.

If you would like to show your committment to the legalities of the Wildlife Act, perhaps you would be kind enough to provide the ETA of of scaffold removal? 

With very best regards

Annie & Barry 

Banstead Swifts

On Thu, 14 May 2026, 16:33 Jonathan Higgs, <jonatha...@ravenht.org.uk> wrote:

Dear Anne and Barry

As you have taken time to copy me in, I thought I would respond.

 I can appreciate this is something you feel strongly about and I personally applaud your objectives. Can I urge though when you are trying to work with people and organisations that are trying to work and support you in your activities that you don’t accuse them of being criminals – it isn’t the way to get people on side with your work, now and in the future.

I hope the team are able to quickly resolve the situation.

 

Jonathan Higgs

​​

Chief Executive

Raven Housing Trust

0300 123 3399

ra...@ravenht.org.uk

From: Banstead Swifts <banstea...@gmail.com>

Sent: 14 May 2026 15:48

To: Justin Chamberlin; Raven Housing Trust <ra...@ravenht.org.uk>; Jonathan Higgs 

Cc: Glyn Elliott 

Subject: Urgent Re: Banstead Swifts scaffolding

Dear Justin

Please could someone let us know the ETA of the scaffolders? 

You will see the very pleasant Lee from Sure Serve has moved the pipe to a vertical position. It took 10 minutes: two screws removed, the pipe turned to a vertical position and braced with 2 screws.

The scaffolding does now need to be removed asap, as it constitutes a wildlife crime, even though we acknowledge it was required for the flue pipe to be turned to a vertical position and re-braced.  We have been watching the swift nest for over 24 hours in case of swift casualties and to ensure that the nest was not disturbed whilst occupied. We have done all we can to mitigate the birds safety.

Speed is of the essence now, and we would be very grateful for an update. The swifts are due to lay eggs, it is a crucial time.

Best

Annie & Barry

---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: Banstead Swifts <banstea...@gmail.com>

Date: Thu, 14 May 2026, 13:27

Subject: Urgent Re: Banstead Swifts

To: Justin Chamberlin <

 

Dear Justin

Sureserve are here.

He said it will be 20 minutes. We dont believe the swifts are here, so that helps.

Can you arrange for the scaffolders to return asap please? We really need to get the area clear for the swifts urgently as the scaffolding is an obstruction.

With many thanks

Annie

 

On Wed, 13 May 2026, 13:53 Justin Chamberlin, 

Dear Annie,

Unfortunately, the scaffold must have the top two rails installed for H&S reasons and must conform to the requirements around working at height.  However, I’ve spoken to the contractor who has confirmed that the scaffold will be struck as soon as the works are completed to the flue.

The remedial works should take no longer that two hours, but I’m unable to confirm an exact time when the works will be undertaken, however, I have been assured that it will be completed by close of play tomorrow.

Thanks,

Justin Chamberlin

​​​​

Assistant Director of Asset Management

Raven Housing Trus

From: Banstead Swifts <banstea...@gmail.com>

Sent: 13 May 2026 13:42

To: Justin Chamberlin <Justin.C...@ravenht.org.uk>

Subject: Re: Banstead Swifts

 

Dear Justin

I appreciate that.

I have seen the scaffolding. Could I ask you if it is possible to remove the top two rails today? This would minimise further obstruction.

 We are concerned that swifts may try to enter the nest or even be trapped inside, we just don't know what is happening at that nest and whether they can get in ftom the NE angle. I realise it is temporary, but could have a big impact on the swifts.

The only other question is will the scaffolding be completely removed right after the work tomorrow? Speed is of the essence for the swifts in nesting season.

Do you know when the contractor will be here tomorrow and how long it will take?

 

I will try to watch the nest site beforehand you see. 

 

Thanks again Justin.

Best wishes

Annie & Barry

 

 

On Wed, 13 May 2026, 11:56 Justin Chamberlin, wrote:

Dear Annie,

Thank you for raising the issue regarding the swifts accessing a nest on one of our properties at Pound Road. As I explained in my previous response, there are strict safety and compliance regulations regarding the placement of flues, which is why SureServe placed the flue where they did. However, I do appreciate the challenge this has created for the nesting birds.

 

Since you brought this to my attention, we have been investigating options and looking for alternative solutions that would enable us to safely alter the position of the flue and allow the swifts to access their nest. Please accept my apologies that this has taken a while to arrange, but I hope you will understand why it is so important that we find a solution that is fully safety compliant, as well as providing access for the swifts. 

 

I am pleased to be able to confirm that we have found a suitable alternative, and we have arranged for this to be fitted as soon as possible. The work is planned to take place on Thursday 14th May. It will require the installation of scaffold to make the required changes to the flue, so that it is compliant from a legislative perspective but also allows the swifts access to this next site.

 

As you know from our previous conversations, Raven is committed to supporting wildlife conservation and biodiversity. We have installed numerous swift boxes within the Banstead area. Please be assured we will continue to support the work of Banstead Swift Association wherever possible.

 

Many thanks,

 

Justin Chamberlin