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Avoid cutting hedges for the sake of nesting birds, says RSPB

By Hugh Fort
August 13, 2012

Gardeners are urged to ignore their unruly hedges for the sake of nesting birds.The RSPB is urging people not to get their trimmers out due to the wet weather meaning some birds have had to delay their breeding.

The charity advises not cutting hedges between March and the end of August to ensure birds and their young are not disturbed.

Samantha Stokes, from RSPB South East, said; “The humble hedge is a place of safety for many birds, especially in urban areas, as they may be the only suitable nesting places for birds.

“Although it’s tempting to trim up hedges at this time of year, our advice is not to.

"It’s against the law to intentionally damage an active nest or prevent parent birds access to their nests, and while most of us would never dream of causing intentional damage to a family of birds, an innocent over-keenness to keep a tidy garden can be harmful too.

“We’re eager to make people aware of the risks.

"By early September most young birds will have fledged, so it should be safe to start trimming.

“It’s been a particularly tough breeding season with unseasonable cold and wet weather, so birds need all the help they can from us. In this case, the best way to help is to do nothing at all, just get into a holiday mood by relaxing and enjoying the wildlife in the garden.”

For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/hfw

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