PLANS to transmit a live video of a red kite's nest has been scuppered due to interference from walkers.

Nest Watch is a project run by the Chilterns Conservation Board which uses CCTV to beam live pictures of the birds to the Charwood Garden Centre, near Stokenchurch.

The operation, which has been running for two years, has been delayed because the cameras were filming an empty nest.

Cathy Rose from the Chilterns Conservation Board believes people may have gone in search of the birds and caused them to fly the nest.

She said: "The most common cause for red kites to desert a nest that has been used for several years, is disturbance.

"They are particularly vulnerable during the nest building phase, and even disturbance as slight as humans repeatedly walking and talking close to the nest can be enough to make them leave."

The location of the nest had to be kept a secret from the general public and is not on a public right of way.

The public are advised to try and stay away from the nest.

Miss Rose said: "The best advice I can give is to leave nesting birds well alone and don't be tempted to visit the nest, even to check if it is OK."

The Chilterns Conservation Board are hoping that live pictures will soon be restored.

Miss Rose added: "We hope to find an alternative nest to re-erect the camera, and if this is successful, images should be available in the Charwood Garden Centre from around the third week of May.

"In the meantime, visitors to the garden centre can watch video highlights from last year's nest."

Disturbing a nesting red kite is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act, 1981, punishable by a fine of up to £5,000.

Anyone who is aware of a nest should contact Cathy Rose on 01844 355506