Eggs And Bird Nests: Why You Should Put Off Cutting Hedges 'Til September
With the recent warmer temps, spring feels like it’s finally kicked in. And that means more birds, bees, and blooms – great news for many gardeners.
If you’re interested in keeping your garden looking its best, you might be tempted to whip out the secateurs and have at your hedges.
But some experts, like Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress, say that it should be delayed until very late summer, and may sometimes be illegal.
Why should I wait until September to cut my hedges?
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 says it’s illegal to deliberately harm a bird’s nest.
And while that doesn’t technically preclude people from cutting all hedges, Bonnett says it’s best to be on the safer side.
“When birds are nesting, they usually pick dense hedges or trees to stay safe, so try not to cut hedges between March and September, as you could disturb them,” the expert said.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) described this period as their “main nesting season” and added that robins, wrens, and other small garden birds often nest just metres off the ground in dense hedgerows.
And it’s not just the nests; thick foliage provides a place for vulnerable chicks and eggs to hide from predators and shelter from the elements.
Like Bonnett, they recommended only cutting hedges between 1 September and 28 February.
What if I want to cut them sooner?
You legally can, but only if you’re 100% certain that no nests lie in your hedges.
- Watching the area for a few days to ensure there are no chicks, nesting birds, or nests,
- Thoroughly checking the hedge for nests before cutting it, and
- Only cutting hedges with handheld devices, as electronic ones are harder to stop if they come into contact with wildlife.
Any other tips?
Yes. Bonnett said we shouldn’t leave harmful nesting materials, like human hair, out for birds, because that can entangle them.
“Instead, opt for safe alternatives including dried grass, soft twigs, natural fibres and moss.”
Provide clean water and fresh food that’s suitable for birds – not bread.
“Stick to things like mixed bird seeds, unsalted peanuts, suet and mealworms,” said Bonnett. Apples and berries can work for some species, like robins and blackbirds.