Letters: France's threatened birds must be treated with respect
Reader says it is wrong to make light of swallows at a time when nature is under huge pressure
Swallows are declining across Europe
D-ska / Shutterstock
To the Editor,
Regarding Samantha David’s article in the March issue on inconvenient swallow nests, I am sorry to criticise but I felt zero sympathy.
Are a few twigs on the doormat really that much trouble? At a time when nature is under huge pressure with whole species being threatened, I felt it was a very poor defence, and somewhat shameful.
Read more: France's swallow population has fallen by 40% in the last 20 years
She makes light of disturbing the birds – almost treating it as a joke – and actually boasting of how clever she is.
The law is there for a reason and especially as a guest in France, I feel it is absolutely reprehensible.
I hope she will reconsider her actions, remove the fake clothes line and treats the birds with respect.
Paulus Bridgestock, Aude
Samantha David responds: I am so sorry you did not enjoy the comment piece about swallows. It was indeed meant lightheartedly. Since I wrote it, the water firm has dug up the surrounding roads to replace the sewerage pipes. The noise and dust has scared the birds away from the village.
To the Editor,
The columnist bothered by swallows can easily deter them by scrunching up some chicken wire and wedging it in the top of the down pipe. Safe and cheap.
The swallows will find somewhere with better vibes.
Georgia Hubbard, by email
