Operation EASTER 2026: 29 Years of Protecting the UK’s Rarest Birds

Operation EASTER, the UK’s long‑running national effort to protect nesting birds from illegal egg collectors, returns for its 29th year as police and conservation agencies warn that this damaging wildlife crime remains a real and active threat.

Despite decades of enforcement, education, and public awareness, the illegal taking of wild bird eggs persists. A small number of determined offenders continue to raid nests—sometimes taking entire clutches from the UK’s rarest and most vulnerable species. These eggs often end up hidden in secret collections or traded internationally, causing long-term harm to conservation efforts and the recovery of threatened bird populations.

Recent intelligence shows the scale of the problem is evolving rather than disappearing. In 2024, Operation PULKA dismantled a major transnational egg‑trading network. Thousands of eggs—around 20,000 in total—were seized during coordinated warrants across the UK, with further high-value collections recovered in Australia and Norway. The case underscored the continued demand for wild bird eggs and the sophisticated methods used by offenders.

As the 2026 nesting season begins, police forces and partner agencies will again be out in force to disrupt, deter, and prosecute those involved in egg theft, nest disturbance, and other wildlife crimes targeting birds.

Public information remains one of the most effective tools in stopping offenders.

A Message from DI Mark Harrison, UK NWCU

 “Operation EASTER highlights the continued commitment of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit and our partners to tackle the illegal taking of wild bird eggs. This is not a harmless pastime, it causes real harm to some of our most vulnerable species and undermines decades of conservation work. We will be working proactively throughout the nesting season to identify and disrupt those involved, and we urge the public to report any suspicious activity so we can take action.”

How the Public Can Help

If you have information about egg thieves or nest disturbance of rare birds, contact your local police on 101 and ask to speak to a Wildlife Crime Officer.
If safe to do so, note descriptions, vehicle registrations, or take photos.

Peak nesting activity begins in April, so early reporting is vital.

You can also report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.