Hedge trimming and bird nesting – what you need to know

From when to trim to when to set the trimmers down, here’s what you need to know to stay out of trouble and protect wildlife during nesting season!

Now it feels like winter is finally coming to an end; you might be thinking about tidying up your garden, and trimming your hedges is likely high on your to-do list. However, before you get started, it’s best to stop and consider the bird nesting season, which typically runs from March to August.

It’s best to avoid trimming your hedges during this time to prevent disturbing any nests. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 gives nesting birds legal protection, which means it’s prohibited to harm, destroy, or interfere with their nests and eggs. So, it’s important to plan your garden maintenance accordingly to avoid breaking the law and harming any of the wildlife that’s made a home in your garden!

At Smiths Hire, we have a wide range of other gardening equipment you can use to keep you busy while waiting for the best time to trim your hedges. From lawn care equipment to scarifiers and grass trimmers, our selection of tools is perfect for tackling other garden tasks and getting your garden ready for BBQ weather.

stihl trimmer

How to check if you have bird nests in your hedges

Since it’s still February and the weather has been a little chilly as of late, you may still be able to get away with trimming your hedges right now. Generally, we’d recommend holding off because of how close it is to March – it’s always better to be safe than sorry! However, we are still a couple of weeks out from the ‘official’ beginning of nesting season, and so long as you perform the necessary checks to make sure you’re in the clear, all is well.

Before you turn on the hedge trimmer, always check to see if you can see any bird nests in your hedges first (get a torch if you need one). Look for dense patches of branches or limbs where birds could have built their nests. If you notice any increased bird activity, like birds coming in and out of your hedge or returning to a specific spot with food or nesting materials, that’s a sign that a nest is present. If you’re unsure whether there is a nest, it’s best to err on the side of caution and either leave it or get a second opinion from a tree surgeon.

What to do if you find a bird’s nest

If you do happen to come across a bird’s nest while trimming your hedges, you mustn’t disturb or touch it. The law protects nesting birds and their nests, and messing with them could lead to fines or even jail time (yes, seriously). If the nest is no longer active, meaning no birds currently live there, or it’s an old nest, you can remove it. You need to be sure, though, so we’d recommend waiting a few days and keeping your eye on the nest with binoculars to see if any birds return before you try to take it down.

If you spot birds nesting in your hedges, the RSPCA or RSPB won’t relocate them for you, and while there are licenses available for active nests in special circumstances (like a building project or urgent plans), these are typically reserved for specific cases.

To stay on the right side of the law and avoid any issues, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional – like a tree surgeon. They’ll be able to assess the situation and offer advice on the best way to trim hedges, so everything is done safely and by the book.

The right tools for the job

If you’ve checked and are confident there are no nests in your hedges, then it’s time to get to work, and we’ve got just the tools to help. At Smiths Hire, we’ve got a range of hedge trimmers that are perfect for tackling thick, overgrown hedges or reaching those tricky spots! Choose from our petrol-powered models for power, electric options, or long-reach trimmers to take care of those higher, harder-to-reach areas. With the right tools from us, trimming your hedges will be smoother, quicker, and more efficient, giving your garden the tidy finish it deserves!

Ready to get started on your garden maintenance? We’ve got everything you need to get your jobs over the line. With over 50 years of experience in tool hire, we’re here to help. Now operating from 18 depots across the North West and Yorkshire – including Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds – we’re always just around the corner. So, if you need advice or assistance, don’t hesitate to call our friendly team at 0333 323 2100!