They were using the shelter when they saw a bird flying out of the cigarette bin. When they looked inside they discovered a nest full of eggs that had been laid by a blue tit.
The company’s Environment Team on Morley Road are monitoring the activity inside the box with regular checks, waiting for the chicks to fledge.
South East Water’s environmental performance delivery lead, Peter Gambrill, said: “It’s not unusual to find birds nesting in bizarre places, in fact we’ve found birds’ nests in nooks and crannies all across our sites over the years.
“Birds and bird nests are protected by law and destroying an active nest site can be wildlife crime; so the team at our Tonbridge depot have taken proactive measures to protect the birds from harm. This includes the temporary use of a different bin.”
