The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to disturb nesting birds. This applies to all hedges, everywhere in the UK. Additional rules under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 protect important rural hedgerows from removal. Agricultural land has further restrictions under cross-compliance rules that prohibit cutting between 1 March and 31 August regardless of nests.
For most homeowners with a garden hedge, the Wildlife and Countryside Act is the one that matters. Check for nests. Every time. Even in December.
Got a site that needs tree work?
We visit the site. We give you a fixed quote. No hidden costs. What we quote, you pay.