In short
It can, but not if it would damage an active nest. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. So trees and hedges are checked first, and work near an active nest waits.
This is a job for our Hedge Trimming service.
What the law protects
Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird, or to take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built.
What it means in practice
- Hedges are the most common place to find nests, so we look before cutting.
- Where there is an active nest, the work around it stops until the nest is no longer in use.
- Work well away from a nest can sometimes carry on.
- Planning hedge and tree work outside the main nesting months avoids the problem altogether.
Bats too
Bat roosts in trees are also protected. If a tree has holes, cracks or loose bark where bats could roost, it may need checking before work.
See hedge trimming.