Protect young wild birds.

Even now in early August there are lots of birds with fledglings in the nest still. A lot of people believe it is alright to cut the hedges now, but in fact it is possible that there are still nesting birds in the hedges. The Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA), states that it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any bird or nest whilst it is in use. Although the dates the WCA state as the breeding season are 1st March to 31st July, they are only guidelines and they indicate the higher risk of committing an offence if hedges are cut between these dates. For the next month, until 1st September hedges and bushes should only be cut if they are clearly free from any nesting birds. I have to say, our garden is looking really overgrown around the hedges now, as it has been such a good growing season. I am keen to get the hedge trimmers an d saw out to tidy up, but I will not be doing so until the 1st of September minimum. A beautiful young Thrush was in our bird bath yesterday, although it will have fledged the nest, it will probably be going back each night to roost, if I cut the hedge and destroy the nest, where would it go then? there are also young Blue Tits around and a Wren was spotted last week. So please do be a little more patient in getting to grips with your garden hedge, just a few more weeks and you will be able to cut it and not harm the birds, but also it will be just before dormancy and so your hedge will look neater for longer over the winter. Here is a tip - if you cut your hedge after Christmas, then it will grow back with more vigor in the Spring and become a thicker hedge during the summer months, so more bird scan seek privacy in the thick of it! [caption id="attachment_2798" align="alignleft" width="150"] Fresh drinking and bathing water for your garden birds is essential for the summer months.[/caption]