Birds in the bush - safe to trim?

[The Goatreich]

I want to cut quite a bit of height off a bush I have however there are always loads of birds in the bush, often nesting in there. I'm never sure when the best time to do the cutting is as I don't want to disturb their nesting.

Common sense would tell me it would be the depths of winter, but does anyone know different? I think they are tree sparrows.

[alldigging]

You're not allowed to disturb nesting birds.

So if they're nesting you'll have to leave it.

[The Goatreich]

I didn't know that. I wouldn't have anyway, but that's good to know that they do have some kind of protection.

Is it better to wait until winter to do a large cutback? They seem to be there all year round.

[WendyC]

Depends on the type of bush. Do you know what it is? Chicks have generally all fledged by August, so is often a recommended time for hedge trimming. Adult birds will have less trouble rehoming.

[The Goatreich]

I can (should) find out. It might be privet.

[Knight of Albion]

I didn't know that. I wouldn't have anyway, but that's good to know that they do have some kind of protection.

Is it better to wait until winter to do a large cutback? They seem to be there all year round.

Bless you for caring. Respect to you for that.

Yes, quite apart from nesting birds, for trees and shrubs best to wait till autumn/winter when the sap is declining to do a big prune.

[Two_Sheds]

It might be privet.

If it has stinky white flowers in summer, it's privet.


The RSPB: Conservation: Trimming