A campsite owner in Norfolk admitted to damaging two bird scaring devices after complaints from his guests about the noise they produced, a court heard. Nigel Marsh, 61, who operates the glamping business My Mini Break in Edgefield, received a 12-month conditional discharge following the incident.

Marsh explained that the gas-powered bird scarers, located on neighbouring farmland, were causing disturbances for his guests, leading to negative reviews of his site. He described the sabotage as a response to a dispute or a moment of impatience, saying he took matters into his own hands by damaging the two devices, each valued between £400 and £500.

In mitigation, Marsh’s legal representative said he was "at the end of his tether" due to the persistent noise. Guests had reported that the loud noises began as early as 5 a.m. and continued until late in the evening, around 11:30 p.m. Reviews on social media reflected these concerns, with some guests describing the sounds as coming "right by our heads," and others stating that the "monotonous explosion noises from a local farm" detracted from their stay.

Despite the glamping site maintaining generally positive feedback, the noise issues had begun to affect its reputation. Following the court proceedings, Marsh was issued a four-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting three complainants either directly or indirectly, or from entering their land or visiting their addresses. He was also ordered to pay £300 in costs and a £26 victim surcharge.