Horror at tree felling

Trees were cut down on land next to Swan House at Technology Park – with concerns raised that the work took place during bird nesting season.

It is understood that all works have been halted at the site – and that Forestry Commission Scotland was due to visit the site today along with Tayside police countryside and wildlife protection officers to investigate.

Councillor Fraser Macpherson, who represents the West End ward, said: “I am particularly concerned about the extent of the tree felling at the site.”

Mr Macpherson said he welcomed the Forestry Commission’s investigation into the incident.

It is understood that site owners held discussions with the council a year ago

Mr Cragg, who volunteers with the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “We were horrified to see that hundreds of trees have been felled.

“It’s the middle of nesting season and trees should not be felled – these trees are of a size that would be impossible to survey for nests.

“It took less than five minutes to find a nest – and judging by the flexibility of some of the twigs and the presence of feathers, they were built this year.”

It is against the law to fell a tree in Scotland without a licence, unless there’s an exemption granted by the Forestry Commission Scotland.

Under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011, wild birds, their nests and eggs are also protected.

As such, anyone who intentionally or recklessly kills, injures or takes any wild bird; takes, damages or destroys the nest of a wild bird; or takes, damages, destroys or otherwise interferes with the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built has committed a criminal offence.

THE Forestry Commission is set to investigate after a number of trees were allegedly felled without permission at a site in Dundee.

Logs stacked up in a pile at Swan House. Inset, Stephen Cragg.

A large number of trees have been cut down at Swan House.