The NFU has republished its Code of Practice for the use of bird scarers and said that failure to follow it will fuel pressure for strict legal controls or a ban on their use.

• The Code suggests that if using auditory scarers then their use near rights of way, hospitals, homes and schools should be minimised.
• Avoid using them at least 200 metres from sensitive buildings before 7am (or before 6am elsewhere) and do not use them after 10pm, it suggests.
• The guidance adds that baffles made from corrugated iron or straw bales should be used to concentrate the sound away from neighbours and towards the field.
• It also suggests that auditory scarers should be avoided on a Sunday and an alternative found instead. Using a variety of scarers is a good idea anyway, it says, in order that they retain their novelty.
• Displaying the name and a contact number of someone near the scarer’s position is another suggestion so people know who to approach if there is a problem.

I wondered if anyone had problems with their use. I understand that there is an environmental protection act that can be used to stop farmers using them if they prove to be a nuisance. Anyone been subject to one?

I suppose that if farmers fail to make allowances for noise nuisance they may cause they could end up with ASBOs as this story on the BBC site illustrates - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wear/8021185.stm 

 Thanks for the link Jacobus and, of course, I sense a business opportunity. I am going to rent out discrete spots for discreet activities such as those referred to in the following clip.

" Prosecutor Claire Ward said neighbours complained to police about early morning noises including shouting and groaning coming from the Cartwrights' home in Hall Road, Concord, Washington."

I will rent out the spots on an hourly basis and, so long as no birds settle within 50 metres of the participating couple, (extra for trio's) then a 10% reduction will be payable on completion of the hour.

Can anyone see problems with this arrangement?

I wonder if there is such an offence as keeping a disorderly field?  You could always tell plod they were Skylark plots!