Although our thoughts at this time of year are a long way from cold winter nights and roaring fires, it’s not a bad time to book in your annual chimney sweep and avoid the winter rush. We have been sweeping open fires and wood burners in Southampton and Salisbury this week. It’s worth bearing in mind that if you suspect a bird’s nest in your chimney, it’s illegal under the wildlife and countryside act to interfere with an active nest. To protect nesting bird’s and chicks, we do not remove nests from March till August.