ONE swallow doesn't make a summer, but a swallows' nest has nearly been sufficient to spoil a summer's takings for one publican.

When Richard Wood, an ornithologist and managing director of Wood Rose Shepherd Huts, in Stokesley, spotted that a family of the small birds had taken residence in a newly-completed outhouse destined for a North Yorkshire inn, he believed it could be an offence to move it.

Swallows, which often select ledges in outbuildings to nest, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the eggs, young or nest of a swallow while it is being built or in use.

Aside from weather-related fluctuations in swallow numbers, the species' UK breeding population has dropped by up to 49 per cent over last 25 years, which is believed to be linked to modern farming practices reducing nesting sites and flying insect numbers as well as climatic changes.

Mr Wood said the hut had been completed and had been left outside on their site on the Terry Dickens Industrial Estate ahead of it being delivered when the swallows established a nest in the building's eaves.

When he explained to the customer that he would not be able to deliver the 16ft by 8ft holiday let until the birds migrated in September, the landlord failed to see the funny side of it.

Mr Wood said he had provided a temporary replacement hut for the B&B customers of the publican, who was keen to avoid losing the summer season trade.

He said: "I have made a few excuses over the years about not being able to deliver a hut, but none like this.

"I have always been interested in birds, I'm a bit of a twitcher and a big fan of swallows.

"They are getting fairly scarce in this country.

"I knew if we moved the hut, the swallows would abandon the nest and the chicks would die."

first time it had happened at the firm.

Mr Wood said he had instructed staff to steer clear of the huts so as not to disturb the the parents, which were constantly flying to and from the hut.

"We have had swallows nesting in the workshop before, but this is the first time it has happened in a hut.

"Once the swallows are gone we will deliver it."