hedging your bets

Woodman, woodman, spare that tree. Or something like that. Because you never know quite what may be sheltering in the hedge you are about to trim, and, if in doubt, do nowt, as a Yorkshireman would say.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Aug 2010, 19:00 BST
Updated 19th Aug 2010, 19:04 BST

Which is why the conservation charity, the RSPB, is warning gardeners – and local councils – to consider late-nesting before the hedge-trimmer is turned on or the shears are oiled and sharpened ready for action.This time of year it's often hard to ignore the straggly foliage or trespassing tree branches appearing all over the garden?

Which is why late August and early September is a prime time for hundreds of thousands of gardeners to start thinking about a bit of pruning. But the RSPB is appealing for people to wait a while until cutting their hedges.

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If you cut them this early, you could be taking the food off the table of birds and mammals who rely on the vital fruit they supply; many plants will still have an abundance of berries which could see the birds through the winter.

Last year's winter larder of berries on shrubs and hedges meant the difference between life and death for many resident birds and winter visitors. And if you hack away at greenery, you could also disturb late-nesting birds. Although the peak breeding season has ended, birds like pigeons and collared doves have extended breeding periods and may still be nesting.

Most garden birds breed between March and August but some species will be on their nests until late into September.

All birds' nests and eggs are protected by law, and it's illegal to deliberately destroy nests in your garden and the countryside.

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The RSPB is also urging local authorities, where possible, to hold back on cutting hedges for a few weeks yet.

But if maintenance is unavoidable, take a close look first. If there are any birds there, give them a few more weeks before pruning.

The RSPB's Val Osborne, says: "Many calls to the RSPB's Wildlife Enquiries line at the moment are from people who have started hedge trimming and discovered a nest.

"It is very disturbing for gardeners to think they have upset their garden birds and they worry that they may fly the nest and the young won't survive.

"Save yourself a job and avoid it for a few weeks yet, ideally until late September at the earliest."

For more information on gardening for wildlife, visit www.rspb.org.uk/hfw

Related topics:RSPB