Gardeners are being urged to stop pruning hedges ‘immediately’ or risk heavy fines

Gardeners Warned to Avoid Trimming Hedges During Nesting SeasonGardeners Warned to Avoid Trimming Hedges During Nesting Season Gardeners in the UK are advised to refrain from trimming their hedges during the nesting season, as it may result in hefty fines. The warning comes from GardeningExpress.co.uk, which highlights the legal implications of disturbing or destroying wild bird nests under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The breeding season typically runs from March to September, and birds like sparrows, blue tits, and blackbirds often build nests in garden hedges. Trimming hedges during this time could potentially damage nests and endanger chicks. Experts urge nature-loving Britons to protect native bird species by leaving hedges undisturbed. By doing so, gardeners can help control pests, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds throughout the garden. If trimming becomes necessary, they should carefully check for nesting birds beforehand. Signs of nesting include birds flying in and out of hedges or twigs and leaves strewn about. If nests are present, gardeners are advised to wait until after the nesting season has ended before trimming the hedge. Chris Bonnett of GardeningExpress.co.uk emphasizes, “Protecting native species in our gardens has never been more important… One of the easiest ways to do this is to simply avoid cutting garden hedges during the nesting season.” For those who cannot wait, Bonnett suggests checking thoroughly for nests before trimming. He also recommends planting a variety of hedges to attract more birds to the garden. “The more species you have, the more species you will attract. Birds prefer to nest in a wide hedge,” Bonnett explains. By following these guidelines, gardeners can protect wildlife, maintain a balanced ecosystem in their gardens, and potentially avoid costly fines.

Gardeners in the UK are being warned that they could face hefty fines if they trim their hedges now. Experts say the task may be necessary but it is something to avoid for now.

The warning comes from GardeningExpress.co.uk because cutting hedges could result in a fine, as it is nesting season, the Express reports.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, damaging or destroying a wild bird’s nest while it is in use or under construction is illegal, with potential penalties including an unlimited fine or even imprisonment. With numbers of native birds such as the song thrush, lark, lapwing and house sparrow in decline, experts are calling on nature-loving Britons to help protect these species in their gardens.

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The breeding season runs from March to September and birds such as sparrows, blue tits and blackbirds build nests in garden hedges to raise their young. Cutting hedges during this time can destroy nests and leave chicks vulnerable.

By leaving hedges undisturbed, gardeners can help birds thrive, which helps control pests, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds throughout the garden. If you do need to trim your hedges, experts advise checking carefully for nesting birds first.

Gardeners have been advised to look out for signs of nesting, such as birds flying in and out of hedges and twigs or leaves strewn about. Chris Bonnett of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “The UK’s bird population is in decline, so protecting native species in our gardens has never been more important.

“Now nesting is key. Protecting those nests and the newly hatched chicks is vital to ensuring the longevity of the species and maintaining a balanced ecosystem in the garden. One of the easiest ways to do this is to simply avoid cutting garden hedges during the nesting season.”