Gardeners across Britain have been advised to postpone hedge trimming until after July to avoid violating the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it a criminal offence to intentionally damage, destroy, or disturb an active bird's nest while it is being built or occupied.
Legal Risks of Early Trimming
According to gardening specialist Joe Swift, writing in the Radio Times, hedges are an important resource for birds, and it can be difficult to spot nests. He stated: "Hedges are an important resource for birds. It's sometimes hard to spot them, but they might be nesting in them right now, and it's illegal to disturb an active nest. In general, leave it till after August 31 to trim back – and always check for nests first."
Expert Tips for Attracting Birds
Beyond hedge care, a TikTok user known as The Floral Gardener shared a tip for attracting more birds: providing water. She said: "Want birds in your garden? Forget the seed. This works better and it's free." She added that multiple water sources, such as water features and ponds, encourage birds to visit daily, even more than food.
Upcoming Heatwave Concerns
The advice comes as the Met Office forecasts temperatures approaching 30°C in parts of England next week. Deputy Chief Forecaster Tony Wisson noted: "The forecast for this weekend suggests that temperatures could approach high 20s°C across parts of England, perhaps 30°C in parts of the southeast, with values of mid to high 20s°C in Wales. Although a return to heatwave conditions is looking increasingly likely for some areas, the likelihood of such extreme high temperatures or high levels of humidity as last week is currently low."
Water sources are vital for birds during hot weather, enabling them to drink, bathe, and regulate their temperature. The Floral Gardener revealed they have three water features plus a pond in their garden, attracting numerous birds even without food.
