Glamping Site Owner Admits Sabotaging Bird Scarers Due to Noise Complaints

The owner of a glamping site has admitted to sabotaging two bird-scaring guns, which he claimed disturbed his guests with their loud blasts. Nigel Marsh, 61, told Norwich Crown Court that the gas-powered devices, placed on neighboring farmland, emitted sounds up to 130 decibels, equivalent to a gun firing, and disrupted his holiday customers.

Marsh, owner of My Mini Break at Edgefield, Norfolk, admitted to criminal damage on August 6, 2024. The court heard that while Marsh initially filed a complaint with the district council, he later took matters into his own hands due to "indifference to the proper procedure" and a "lack of patience." The two bird scarers cost between £400 and £500 each.

Defending Marsh, Dingle Clark stated that his client was "at the end of his tether and was exasperated." He noted that reviews for Marsh's glamping site, while generally positive, included comments about noise disturbances from the bird scarers, with some guests reporting the devices began as early as 5 a.m. and continued until 11:30 p.m.

Marsh previously said he had kept records of the noise and submitted them to the environmental health department. He expressed frustration, stating, "North Norfolk's industry relies on tourism but I've been left on my own." He felt he was acting individually to stop harassment when "everyone else turned their back."

Recorder Ruth Brander imposed a 12-month conditional discharge on Marsh, emphasizing that he had "taken the law into your own hands." Additionally, Marsh was issued a four-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the three complainants or going to their land or addresses. He was also ordered to pay £300 in costs and a £26 victim surcharge.