Overgrown hedges

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 20:22, Fri 9 May 2025

• Update

  We have reviewed the issue reported and have amended the category; this will ensure your report is directed to the most appropriate team at the council.

  State changed to: For Triage

  Posted by Buckinghamshire Council at 12:35, Mon 12 May 2025

• Update

  We have inspected the issue reported and have reviewed the category selected.

  The category has been changed to ensure it is passed to the correct team.

  Posted by Buckinghamshire Council at 13:49, Fri 23 May 2025

• 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.

  State changed to: Open

  Posted by Buckinghamshire Council at 14:03, Fri 25 July 2025

• Update

  We have fully investigated your report, however, we have been unable to identify an issue at the location plotted on the map.

  This may mean the issue has already been inspected and resolved or that it does not present any immediate safety issue to the public

  State changed to: Closed

  Posted by Buckinghamshire Council at 11:25, Wed 30 July 2025