Hedges need cutting back

Updates

• All wild birds are protected. This includes their nests (whilst in use or being built) as well as any eggs the nest may contain. Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), it is an offence to:

  • intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird
  • intentionally damage, destroy or take the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built (nests of golden eagle, white tailed eagle and osprey are protected all year round)
  • intentionally destroy an egg of any wild bird
  • intentionally or recklessly disturb certain wild birds or their dependent young while they are nesting (including disturbance of nesting young)

  Although no dates are legally stated between which hedges cannot be trimmed, cut, laid or coppiced, the main bird breeding season is recognised as being between 1 March and 31 July which we adhere to. Please note, if the issue reported is classified by our Highway Officer as an emergency, arrangements will be made to make the hedge safe for both road and pedestrian users in line with our Highways Safety Inspection Policy.

  Posted by Buckinghamshire Council at 15:48, Fri 21 June 2024

• Update

  It is an offence under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built, or to intentionally kill, injure or take chicks or adults, or intentionally take or destroy any eggs. As a general rule we avoid hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year.

  We follow the law and where possible the guidance provided by GOV.UK.

  There may be cases when we cannot avoid disturbing a nest if it is obstructing the public highway and presents a danger to road/footpath users, for example a nest in a tree branch overhanging the carriageway, in these rare cases we will take the appropriate action with minimal disruption as possible
  

  State changed to: Closed

  Posted by Buckinghamshire Council at 07:32, Mon 24 June 2024