Why do nesting birds matter?
All wild birds, their nests and their eggs are protected by law in England. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it’s an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it’s in use or being built, or to intentionally kill, injure or take a wild bird (legislation.gov.uk: section 1).
GOV.UK lists trimming or cutting hedges as one of the activities that can harm birds, particularly in the breeding season. It says the penalty can be an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison for each offence, and it suggests timing work to avoid the breeding season (GOV.UK: wild birds).
When is the nesting season?
GOV.UK says you’ll usually find nesting birds during the main nesting and breeding season, from 1 March to 31 August (GOV.UK: hedgerows). “Usually” is the key word, so it’s worth checking a hedge whenever you cut it.
Is it illegal to cut a garden hedge between March and August?
Not in itself. The rule that stops hedge cutting from 1 March to 31 August is part of the hedgerow management rules for hedgerows on or next to land used for agriculture (GOV.UK: hedgerow management rules). For a garden hedge, the law that matters is the wildlife law above: you mustn’t damage or destroy an active nest.
The countryside hedgerow removal rules don’t cover garden hedges either. GOV.UK says a hedgerow is not protected under those rules if it’s in, or marks the boundary of, a private garden (GOV.UK: hedgerows).
So when should I cut my hedge?
- A light trim to keep its shape: often fine in spring and summer, once the hedge has been checked for nesting birds.
- Heavier cutting back or a reduction: usually easiest to plan for autumn and winter, outside the main nesting season.
- Fast-growing hedges: easier to look after with regular cuts.
Is it okay to cut a hedge back hard?
It depends on the hedge. Some hedges grow back well from old wood, while others, such as many conifers, won’t green up again if they’re cut back too far.
If a hedge has been left for years, reducing it in stages can work better. We’ll tell you honestly how far your hedge can be taken back in one go.
What do we check before cutting a hedge?
In spring and summer, we check hedges for nesting birds before we cut. Active nests must not be disturbed, so if birds are nesting, the work may need to wait. We’ll talk it through with you and agree a date that works.
We cut, trim and reduce hedges, and we take the clippings away.
Beech hedge cut back in Bilton, Rugby. Drag the slider to compare.
See our hedge cutting and trimming service in Rugby for more recent jobs.
What if there are trees in my hedge?
A Tree Preservation Order can protect trees growing in a hedge, and hedges in a conservation area may contain protected trees. If that might apply, check before any cutting. Our guide explains how: is my tree protected?
How do I get a free hedge quote?
Send us the location, the rough length and height, and a few photos. Photos from both ends and a wide view of the access are ideal. Please don’t stand on anything unstable to photograph the top.
Quotes are always free. Call or text 07511 208277, send photos on WhatsApp, or email info@branchardtreeservices.com. We’re open Monday to Saturday 05:30–21:30 and Sunday 10:30–18:00.
Quick questions
Can you cut my hedge in summer?
Often, yes, for a light trim. In spring and summer we check the hedge for nesting birds before we start. If birds are nesting, the work may need to wait.
When is the nesting season?
GOV.UK says you’ll usually find nesting birds during the main nesting and breeding season, from 1 March to 31 August. “Usually” is the key word, so it’s worth checking a hedge whenever you cut it.
Do you give free quotes?
Yes, our quotes are always free and there is no obligation.
Sources
We checked these official pages on 31 October 2026. The law can change, so follow the latest version on each site.
- legislation.gov.uk: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, section 1
- GOV.UK: Wild birds: protection and licences
- GOV.UK: Countryside hedgerow protection
- GOV.UK: Hedgerow management rules: cutting and trimming
- GOV.UK: Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas
Who wrote this guide?
This guide was written by Jaydon Barnard, an NPTC certified tree surgeon and a director of Branchard Tree & Landscapes Services Ltd, tree surgeons based in Dunchurch, Rugby. Jaydon holds a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture from Moulton College. The business is run by brothers Jaydon and Chris Barnard. Both directors are NPTC certified, at least one of them is on every job, and we carry public liability insurance.
More about us: tree surgeon in Rugby.
Details checked October 2026. If anything here is out of date, please tell us on 07511 208277.