Walking on eggshells as the 'do not disturb' signs go out

Careful with those shears; being too tidy-minded might be doing more harm than good because as gardeners get into pruning mode, they should look out for nesting birds.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th May 2010, 15:50 BST
Updated 28th May 2010, 15:50 BST

Trimming, tidying and planting are in full swing – as is the breeding season for birds such as blackbirds, robins, and thrushes, which have all been setting up home in back gardens, looking for shelter and building nests in places that are often difficult to see.

To avoid disturbing any nests, gardeners should check hedges and shrubs before cutting them back. Lots of our common garden birds are nesting and fledging their chicks, and they mustn't be disturbed.

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Check shrubs and hedges before you start work, and if there are birds nesting, leave that area alone to avoid disturbance.

Tips

1 Don't cut hedges until after August – some birds may have more than one brood

2 Leave an area of the garden wild, including letting grass grow, which encourages more insects

3 Create a builder's yard for birds by leaving out old wool, wadding and twigs

4 Continue feeding birds throughout the spring and summer, but avoid putting out whole peanuts as they could choke chicks

5 Keep a supply of fresh water available.

YP MAG 29/5/10