Monty Don has advised gardeners to hold off on a routine outdoor job until late summer in order to support robins and other bird species.
Timing Is Crucial for Wildlife
Experienced gardeners understand that timing is crucial for certain gardening tasks — not just for maintaining attractive outdoor areas but also for protecting the diverse wildlife that frequently inhabit our gardens.
British gardens can offer temporary shelter to essential pollinators such as bumblebees, honeybees, wasps, drone flies, ladybirds, beetles and others. They also provide sanctuary for hedgehogs in both urban and countryside locations while serving as resting places for birds, along with countless other creatures large and small.
Monty Don's Key Advice
Renowned horticulturist, broadcaster, and author Monty Don is a trusted resource for those wanting to make informed decisions in their gardens. Celebrated for his horticultural expertise, Monty is probably best known for his main presenting role on the popular BBC gardening television programme Gardeners' World.
The specialist frequently provides guidance and recommendations through social media, where he posts photos from his garden, and outlines tasks he's undertaken to maximise his outdoor area. On the topic of hedge trimming, the gardening expert has cautioned people to be careful and avoid cutting them too early in the year.
The reason? Many British birds build nests in hedges throughout the summer, including robins, house sparrows, blackbirds and wrens. Trimming them prematurely could endanger their young.
Best Times for Hedge Cutting
On X, Monty previously stated spring — particularly April — "is the very worst time to cut hedges" due to the young still being in the nest. With hedge cutting, Monty advised the "best times for birds are winter months and late summer when all are fully fledged and left nests".
Legal Protection for Nesting Birds
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) states disturbing nesting birds is against the law. It confirms: "Before undertaking work on hedges, check that there are no nesting birds in the hedge, as it is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built."
Getting the timing right all year round is crucial for maintaining a thriving garden while protecting local wildlife.
Additional Gardening Tips
Previously, Monty has also emphasised avoiding cutting grass too early during colder periods. Writing on his blog, he noted: "Cutting too early during the colder months can damage your lawn, as grass doesn't thrive in low temperatures. By mid-March, the weather in most parts of the UK has warmed enough to make mowing beneficial."
About Monty Don
Monty Don began his television career in 1989, with a recurring gardening slot on This Morning which opened doors to opportunities on various channels. An accomplished writer, he's penned over 25 books since his debut publication in 1990. In 2003, following Alan Titchmarsh's recommendation, he became the main presenter on the popular BBC programme, Gardener's World. He's also created and presented numerous garden programmes of his own, including 2026's Monty Don's Rhineland Gardens.
