RSPB Scotland 'deeply concerned' over 'anti-nesting' nets at Tesco North Berwick store

A wildlife charity has hit out at Tesco over the supermarket chain’s use of netting that it says will “prevent birds nesting”.

RSPB Scotland raised concerns over the netting at a Tesco store in North Berwick on Wednesday in a tweet that said: “We cannot keep trying to squeeze nature into smaller and smaller spaces or demanding it fits in with our plans.”

Tesco responded that the nets are in place as a “safety and hygiene measure” to prevent contamination from droppings.

But RSPB Scotland said if that is the case then the netting should be replaced with shelves.

RSPB Scotland said: “We’re deeply concerned by Tesco’s use of netting to prevent birds nesting at their North Berwick store. We cannot keep trying to squeeze nature into smaller and smaller spaces or demanding it fits in with our plans.

“If such actions are deemed necessary for hygiene reasons, we would urge Tesco to replace the netting with shelves or create alternative nesting sites on other sections of their roof and would be glad to offer advice on this.”

The charity offered to help the supermarket create an alternative nesting site on other sections of the roof and both parties are now in discussions to resolve the matter.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “The netting is in place as a safety and hygiene measure to prevent bird droppings falling onto the customer area below.”

The netting, which was installed in the winter, is fully compliant with current legislation in relation to protected birds, according to the supermarket chain.