Kestrel nest halts Marchwood power station demolition

Kestrels are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

The demolition of a power station has been halted after a kestrel's nest was discovered in the building.

Hampshire County Council said work was suspended at the former plant at Marchwood, near Southampton.

The nest, in the main building, contains five eggs. Demolition work will be suspended for three months until the chicks have fledged.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 means care must be taken not to drive away the female kestrel.

Environment councillor Mel Kendal said: "Demolition work must be suspended until the Kestrel nest is no longer in use which is expected to be in about three months' time.

"Some minor work elsewhere on the site to make it safe may be continued in the meantime, however."