As part of our ecological and environmental focus here at Green Cuts, we are of course extremely considerate and aware of the wildlife that inhabit our trees, hedge lines and woodlands.

Perhaps you are thinking of pruning or removing trees, topping or trimming hedge lines? Then it’s extremely important as a tree owner or site manager you are aware of the ruling on nesting season for birds across the UK.

Nesting season can vary between counties, communities and bird species but as a general ruling many councils will try to enforce between the months of February and August. That said, many experts from tree companies and farming communities state between March and July as the busiest time for nest building across the widest of bird types.

It is a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild bird or damage its nest. A nest is considered active on the occasion that the very first stick or any other nesting material is added to that nest site.  

As a potential customer of Green Cuts, you should know that delays to your work are possible if nesting birds or wildlife are detected, either in the initial survey stages or even the commencement of the work itself. You are, as customers or concerned citizens duty bound to inform us or any other contractors of any activity you may have spotted on site, in and around the trees or landscapes outlined for work. Our arborists can then make an independent assessment of the situation and consequently the planned schedule of works. 

In some cases wildlife can be occupying or selecting neighbouring trees for nesting, roosting or feeding, we may still need to halt and reschedule the works. By disrupting a neighbouring tree it may cause a bird to abandon its nest which is also an offence. 

In some cases yes, it’s still possible to carry out planned works, despite activity being detected. This could be minor superficial works such as dead-wooding, crown lifting or thinning. A pre-work survey can and will be carried out by our team in every situation or commencement of new works.

We should also be mindful of ground nesting species of birds, these are easy to overlook in initial surveys of the site if not trained in how to spot these. Above all, be as observant and as careful as possible, our wildlife is fragile, diverse and precious.