Birds considered safety hazard

A petition has been drawn up to save 800 rooks nesting in a woods from being culled near Manchester Airport.

The rooks have been nested in the woods for over 300 years but now face extermination after fears that they are undermining the safety of Manchester airport passengers.

The rookery, next to the golf course, is situated directly under a flight path from the airport.

The recent petition has resulted in a deferral of the cull so that discussions between Manchester airport and the local community can take place.

Local Geologist, Mike Mazurkiewicz, said: "There are so many other tactics that could be put into place which would scare the birds but not kill them.

"Scarecrows, kites and gas canisters that release a loud bang are often used, obliterating them just seems very extreme.

"The rookery is three miles from the actual airport, I can't seen them flying that far just to get some food.

"My wife is an avid bird-spotter and she is devastated, as are a lot people."

Despite living on National Trust land, the airport is within its rights to destroy the rookery if it poses "a serious threat" to the safety of flights.

"Plans were in place to adjust the habitat of the rooks on Thursday 30th April, in accordance with the General License issued by Natural England," a spokeswoman said.

"But instead we will be continuing talks with the local community as to how best to proceed with reducing the risks

"The airport already operates a Bird Hazard Management Plan which involves specific measures to reduce the presence of birds on the airfield, including the use of dispersal techniques and habitat management measures."