What can you do instead?
If you’re set on getting your garden looking fresh for spring, here’s how you can work around nesting season. First off, it’s all about planning ahead. If you’ve got big tasks like hedge trimming or tree pruning on your list, try to get them done before nesting season kicks off (before March) or after it wraps up (August).
In the meantime, stick to low-impact tasks. We’re talking about things like weeding, power washing, mowing, painting your garden fence panels, or simply cleaning up around your garden – anything away from anywhere birds are likely to build a nest. These tasks won’t disrupt any birds or their nests, and you can get your garden looking neat and BBQ-ready.
The legalities of nesting season
Nesting season is an important time for birds, so much so that it’s protected by law. According to the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, it’s illegal to disturb or destroy an active nest, take eggs, or harm the birds while they’re nesting. So, if you’re planning to trim hedges, cut back trees, or clear overgrown areas between March and August, you’ll need to be extra cautious. If you accidentally disturb a nest, you could face hefty fines or even legal action. But don’t worry, you don’t need to put your garden plans on hold completely – just make sure to check for nests before starting any big jobs and stick to the gentler tasks as we discussed earlier.
What to do if you accidentally disturb a nest?
Before starting any garden work, whether it’s trimming hedges, cutting back trees, or clearing overgrown areas, it’s important to thoroughly check your hedges and trees for any active nests. If you come across an old, inactive bird nest while doing your work, it’s usually fine to remove it. However, it’s crucial to make sure it’s completely empty. The best way to check is to give it a few days and see if any birds return. If no birds are coming back after waiting, then you can safely take the nest down. Just make sure you’ve checked thoroughly, as you don’t want to disturb something that’s still in use.
If you do accidentally disturb an active nest while you’re working in your garden, it’s essential to stop immediately. Active bird nests, with birds or eggs inside, are protected by law, and disturbing them could lead to serious consequences. If you realise you’ve disrupted a nest, the best thing you can do is not touch it, step away from the area immediately, and avoid coming back until you’re sure the nest is no longer in use. Birds may flee the nest temporarily if it’s disturbed, but it’s best to give them plenty of space and time to feel safe again.
In situations like this, it’s always a good idea to consult the opinion of a professional, like a tree surgeon. They’ll be able to help you figure out how to handle the situation safely and legally. If you’re unsure about what to do, don’t take any chances – getting a second opinion can help protect both the birds and your garden plans!
Even though nesting season means we need to be extra mindful of the wildlife in our gardens, that doesn’t mean you can’t still get on with your garden plans! There are plenty of ways to spruce up your space without disturbing the birds. If you’re ready to improve your garden, why not start with some new fencing? Whether you need to replace a few garden fence panels or concrete posts or install an entirely new fence, it’s a great way to enhance your garden’s look without affecting the local wildlife.
Here at Welch Fencing, we’ve got an expansive range of garden fence panels and essential materials to help you get the job done – so you can stay on track with your garden plans while respecting the creatures that call it home! If you need advice or a hand choosing the right fencing for your project, just give us a call on 01772 336476. We’re always happy to help!
