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John Flowers Ltd is facing an investigation after allegations that active swift nests were disturbed or destroyed during roofing work on council-owned homes in Jarrow. South Tyneside Council suspended further work at properties in Lulworth Avenue after concerns were raised by conservationists.
The Northern Swifts Group said it had been alerted after at least one nest was found badly damaged. A dehydrated swift chick recovered from the nest was taken to a local wildlife rescue centre, where it was reported to be stabilising.
Conservationists also reported seeing nest debris in a skip used by contractors, although the skip was removed before representatives could carry out further checks. They fear more than one nest may have been affected because swifts usually breed in colonies.
South Tyneside Council said the roofing work had been carried out by a council-appointed contractor and confirmed that John Flowers Ltd was the company involved. The council has requested a full report from the contractor and launched what it described as an immediate investigation.
The authority said ecological surveys were carried out before roofing work began and that contractors received guidance on what action to take if nests were found. It said further work had been stopped while additional ecological surveys and assessments were completed.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird while it is in use or being built. Swifts are especially vulnerable because they return to the same nesting sites and depend heavily on gaps and cavities in older buildings.
The Northern Swifts Group said the incident demonstrated the need for clearer instructions and stronger oversight when contractors work on buildings used by nesting birds. Campaigners have repeatedly warned that renovation and demolition work can permanently remove breeding sites.