Gardening warning as cutting back hedges in July 'could land you in jail'

Green-fingered Brits are being cautioned against falling foul of the law this July, with warnings that illegal hedge trimming could land them in hot water – including potential jail time and an 'unlimited fine'. As the sun continues to shine across the UK, hordes of garden enthusiasts are rolling up their sleeves for some much-needed garden sprucing.

However, before you set about tidying your hedges, be aware that there's more at stake than just the aesthetics of your garden. Not only does cutting back hedges during their flowering period affect their growth, but it could also see you breaching environmental regulations.

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It's strictly forbidden to cut farm hedgerows from April 1 to August 31 without a special licence, except under exceptional circumstances. While domestic garden hedges can be trimmed during this period, any harm to bird nests within them could see you on the wrong side of the law.

With many birds still nesting and raising chicks even into July, the experts at Husqvana have issued a stark reminder: "Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it's an offence to intentionally damage or destroy a wild bird's nest while it is being built or in use.

"That includes consciously using a hedge trimmer when there is a bird's nest in your hedge, and in the process of doing so, causing the nest to be damaged or destroyed."

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) echoes this sentiment, reinforcing the importance of protecting our feathered friends during this critical time, reports the Express.

The charity warns that a person is flouting the law by intentionally damaging a bird's nest during its construction or use, noting: "The moment it becomes active, it is illegal to destroy it".

Committing this offence could result in an unlimited fine and up to six months behind bars.

The RSPB cautions: "The consequences for the above, even in the event of harm to a single bird, nest or egg, is an unlimited fine, up to six months in jail or both. Suffice to say, it is certainly not a risk worth taking."

When asked about what occurs if you wreck a bird's nest, they explained: "Pieces of environmental legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended are regulated by a combination of the police, Natural England / Natural Resources Wales / Scottish Natural Heritage (based on location), the Environment Agency, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission (FFCC), the local authorities, the Partnership of Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW), various public bodies, and relevant organisations based on the endangered species in question.

"Once an action breaking the rules of the Act has been carried out, the offence will inevitably result in a police investigation. The police will enforce part 1 of the Act, as it focuses on the fundamental wildlife protection over wildlife species and what exactly necessitates a breach of the rules.

"In fact, dedicated departments of the police specialise in breaches of environmental and wildlife laws, such as the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) and Wildlife Crime Officers (WCOs).

"Any law relating to the environment and wildlife are taken just as seriously as any other piece of active legislation.

"Even in respect of a breach of the Act involving a single animal or habitat, the person responsible would be liable to pay a potentially unlimited fine, spend up to six months in prison, or possibly even both."