Latest news with #WildlifeandCountrysideAct1981
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners risk six months jail and 'huge fine' for cutting hedge in June
Many people will have been out in the garden over the weekend, but there's a little known law that could see you hit with a hefty fine or even a prison sentence if you're not careful Garden owners are being warned not to trim their hedges in June, as it could result in an 'unlimited fine' and potentially six months behind bars. A lesser-known law regarding hedges and hedgerows in the UK is in effect from March until August. Despite many likely unintentionally breaking this law over the sunny weekend by getting out their hedge trimmers and secateurs, gardeners could still face penalties due to this obscure environmental regulation. Farm hedgerows are legally protected from being cut between April 1 and August 31, a measure put in place to safeguard nesting birds. While it's technically permissible to trim certain types of domestic garden hedges during this period, if it results in damage or destruction to a bird's nest - whether intentional or not - you're still infringing upon the law, reports the Express. Wood Street Care Leicester warns: "It's illegal to cut your hedges during bird nesting season, which runs from March to August. "Trimming your hedge during bird nesting season can harm or destroy nests, which is detrimental to the birds. It's also illegal to trim hedges on your property if they're taller than 20 metres without permission from the local council." Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it's a crime to intentionally damage or destroy a wild bird's nest while it is under construction or in use. This is further supported by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The law is clear: "Wilfully damaging a bird's nest in use or under construction, which also extends to trimming hedges, is a legal offence. The moment it becomes active, it is illegal to destroy it". Violating this ruling could result in an unlimited fine or up to six months behind bars. The RSPB emphasises: "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."
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Revealed: 5,000 English nature sites at risk under Labour's planning proposals
More than 5,000 of England's most sensitive, rare and protected natural habitats are at high risk of being destroyed by development under Labour's new planning bill, according to legal analysis of the legislation. The Guardian has examined the threat the bill poses to 5,251 areas known as nature's 'jewels in the crown', as some of the country's most respected wildlife charities call for a key part of the bill to be scrapped. The areas at risk from Labour's planning changes include cherished landscapes such as the New Forest, the Surrey heaths, the Peak District moors, and the Forest of Bowland. Rivers such as the Itchen in Hampshire and the Wensum in Norfolk are also threatened by the bill. The thousands of protected habitats are locations for threatened British wildlife such as nightingales, badgers, dormice, otters, butterflies, dragonflies, kingfishers, tufted ducks and egrets. The bill is the product of the government's promise to build 1.5m homes to help address the UK's housing affordability crisis, and approve 150 major infrastructure projects, in this parliament. The pledge is key to Labour's plan to boost economic growth; however, a recent study suggests the government is likely to miss its new homes target. The government says the bill does not weaken environmental protections. But according to three separate legal opinions on the planning and infrastructure bill currently going through parliament, legal protections will be rolled back by the legislation, making it easier for developers to build on areas that have historically been protected under UK and international law. The Guardian has identified 10 protected sites that are under particular threat from development under the new legislation amid growing criticism of Labour's bill. Related: Ten jewels of English nature at risk from development and Labour's planning bill They include one of the last strongholds for nightingales in England at Lodge Hill in Kent; a wetland dating back 2,600 years in south Devon; an internationally important tidal wetland at Tipner west in Portsmouth; and woods dating back as far as the 17th century at Sittingbourne, Kent, part of the 2.5% of the UK's ancient woodland that still remains. These areas represent just a handful of the most protected environmental gems across England which include 4,100 sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs), all currently protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; 71 wetlands protected under the internationally-binding Ramsar convention; 256 special areas of conservation (SACs) and 824 special protection areas, (SPAs) all protected under UK and international law in the habitats directive. Though numerous, these protected areas in total only cover just under 8% of land in England. Critics of the bill say ensuring they continue to be protected does not amount to a block on building new houses. In a legal opinion, Alex Goodman KC said the consequences of the planning and infrastructure bill as drafted were that any adverse impacts a development inflicted on the most protected natural areas in England, including SSSIs, SACs and Ramsar sites, must be 'disregarded'. '[The bill] thereby withdraws the principal legal safeguard for protected sites,' he said. 'This amounts to a very significant change.' Goodman has provided one of three separate legal opinions on the bill since it was presented by Angela Rayner, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government. All, including that of the government's own watchdog, the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), challenge Rayner's assertion to parliament that the bill is not a rollback of environmental law. Rayner has been threatened with a judicial review brought by nature groups if she does not 'correct' her comments. Goodman said: 'The only possible reading is that the bill will have the effect of reducing the level of environmental protection provided.' Glenys Stacey, chair of the OEP, said: 'The bill would have the effect of reducing the level of environmental protection provided for by existing environmental law. As drafted, the provisions are a regression.' Key concerns focus on part three of the bill, which provides a mechanism for developers to sidestep current environmental obligations by paying into a nature restoration fund, which will be used at a later date to create environmental improvements elsewhere. Once the fee is paid, the development can go ahead even if it 'inflicts adverse effects on the integrity of a protected site'. Dubbed a mechanism to pay 'cash to trash', the bill contains no requirement for developers to measure what harms are taking place during the planning process. Irreplaceable habitats have no extra protection from development. Leading charities have called for this section to be scrapped entirely. Dr Ruth Tingay, co-director of Wild Justice, said the government seemed intent on causing unrecoverable damage. 'Imagine flattening an irreplaceable grade I listed building like the Royal Albert Hall, replacing it with karaoke machines in various towns and then telling the public this is a 'win-win' for architecture and music. Swap the Royal Albert Hall for any one of the UK's nationally important and protected habitats, swap the karaoke machines for a few pathetic tree-planting schemes, then tell people this is a 'win-win' for the environment and the public, and the analogy is brutally clear.' David Elvin KC, in a third legal opinion, said part three of the bill was regressive and potentially in breach of international law. Ellie Chowns, a Green MP, said there was a serious legal question with the bill because although the secretary of state asserted to MPs there was no reduction in environmental protections, the reality of the legislation was that the bill was in fact a rollback of environmental protections. 'We have a responsibility to protect the most important, the rarest and most in need habitats, like chalk streams, ancient woodlands, peat bogs; these jewels in the crown of our ecological heritage have their protections weakened in this bill,' she said. 'These are irreplaceable habitats, which by their very nature cannot be created anywhere else in some kind of compensation schedule.' A government spokesperson said: 'We completely reject these claims, and have been clear that our planning and infrastructure will not weaken environmental protections. 'The government has inherited a failing system that has delayed new homes and infrastructure while doing nothing for nature's recovery. 'That's why we will deliver a win-win for the economy and nature as part of our Plan for Change, unblocking building and economic growth while delivering meaningful environmental improvements.'
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners warned about destructive plant 'as bad as knotweed'
Gardening experts have raised concerns about this seemingly innocent-looking plant which can cause "significant damage" to buildings Buddleia might add a dash of colour to UK gardens, but these purple plants have already caused significant distress about their potential to cause considerable damage to properties. Experts fear that the plant, which is also known as the "butterfly bush", can be problematic for homeowners and some have already equated its level of threat to another notorious horticultural hazard, Japanese knotweed. Environmental Controls, a company specialising in removing invasive weeds, has warned homeowners regarding the often underestimated dangers of buddleia. Beloved for its attractive blooms, the plant is notorious for tearing through buildings, exploiting any weakness, such as cracks and fragile mortar, similar to the feared knotweed. Speaking on the matter, company spokesman Jennifer Holmes said: "Both buddleia and knotweed can cause significant damage to building structures, however buddleia is less likely to damage underground infrastructure due to its shallow root system. "Both are highly invasive and difficult to eradicate, but buddleia (unlike knotweed) can grow in hard to access areas such as roofs, guttering, window sills and walls – basically anywhere that a seed lands it can grow. Knotweed, on the other hand, requires its roots to be on the ground in order to form plants, and quickly spreads." Jennifer pointed out that buddleia's rapid growth, reaching heights up to 15 feet – dwarfing Japanese knotweed – should be of significant concern for those owning property. Despite these warnings, buddleia remains unlisted on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, thus UK residents are still at liberty to plant it in their gardens, reports Devon Live. Experts are warning homeowners to be vigilant for the aggressive plant, particularly if it's not a controlled garden plant. Keep an eye out for it sprouting from neglected corners of roofs and walls where it flourishes unnoticed, and tackle eradication before it takes root. Japanese knotweed is subject to stringent legal controls due to its invasive nature and potential to cause property damage. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it is an offence to plant or cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild. Property owners are legally obliged to prevent the spread of Japanese knotweed from their land to neighbouring properties. Japanese knotweed is classified as controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Its disposal must adhere to specific regulations to prevent environmental contamination. The presence of Japanese knotweed can impact property sales and mortgage approvals. Sellers are required to disclose its presence, and failure to do so can lead to legal repercussions. Effective management often requires professional treatment over several years. DIY removal is discouraged due to the plant's resilience and the risk of spreading.
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
The nine ‘criminal' garden plants that could get you in trouble with the police and leave you with a £5,000 fine
Read on for gardening jobs to get done by the end of next week PLANT PALAVER The nine 'criminal' garden plants that could get you in trouble with the police and leave you with a £5,000 fine THE sun is out and many of us are making the most of it in our gardens. But instead of sitting on your lounger, you may want to focus your attention on the plants growing in your garden to prevent a hefty fine. 9 These plants could cost you thousands of pounds Credit: Getty While they may look innocent, there are several plants wreaking havoc in UK gardens, and if you're not careful, it could lead to structural damage, wildlife damage and paying out fines. Gardening experts at Fantastic Gardeners say these plants are more than just annoying weeds, they can takeover wildlife, cause burns and some are under strict regulation laws in the UK. 'These plants tend to spread vigorously, making their control costly and difficult,' they warned. Here, we take a look at the plants you need to check are in your garden to prevent penalties of up to £5,000 or two years in jail according to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Spear Thistle This purple plant may look lovely but is highly invasive and poses a huge threat to other UK native species. Spear thistle is a troublesome weed because, upon germination, it produces a tap root with lateral roots that spread horizontally. According to Fantastic Gardeners, it's incredibly adaptable and can compete with almost every plant it comes across so if you see it in the garden, it's time to get your gloves on. Broad-Leaved Dock This green, leafy plant may look harmless but is also highly invasive and can bring a huge range of unwanted garden pests, according to the Mirror. Broad-leaved dock thrives in all soil types, with 'no climatic limitation' stopping it from spreading throughout the UK. 9 The Dock plant can bring unwanted pests Credit: Getty Common Ragwort The pretty yellow flowers might deceive you, but this is one of the most commonly reported weeds across the country. This weed is toxic to mammals and its growth should be strictly controlled to protect livestock. 9 These pretty flowers are toxic to animals Credit: Alamy Map reveals worst areas for Japanese knotweed with fears plant will wipe thousands off house prices Curled Dock Similar to Broad-leaved dock, this is a resilient and persistent weed. Both curled dock and broad-leaved dock are regulated under the Weeds Act of 1959. 9 The curled dock is also considered an invasive plant Credit: Getty Japanese Knotweed This invasive plant is one of the most well-known in the UK. The Japanese Knotweed can grow almost anywhere and can cause serious issues for homeowners. Knotweed can take years to completely eradicate and often costs over £10,000 to remove professionally. 9 Japanese Knotweed can cost thousands to remove Credit: Getty Rhododendron Ponticum While this plant has beautiful purple blooms making it an attractive addition to the garden, you need to be careful This plant towers over others and prevents sunlight from reaching them. In fact, the UK spends millions each year trying to eradicate it, and it's far from easy to control. 9 This plant prevents others from growing Credit: Getty - Contributor May gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May. GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there's so much more to do and grow. Plant out dahlia tubers It's a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get - and space accordingly - anything up to half a metre apart. It's a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them. And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July. Final feed to Spring flowers You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils. Although the majority of bulbs aren't guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you've left them to die back naturally there's a good chance they'll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine. Tie up climbers Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now - try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don't sprout off in crazy directions. Feed the lawn It's not too late to give your lawn a good feed. Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months. While mowing, don't go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height. Get creative It's also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots. Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets. And pots can be planted with spring bulbs. Don't forget the greenhouse! Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out. The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul. You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution - or even neat if you're feeling spendy - which gives a really good shine. Himalayan Balsam Another pretty plant that is a total menace to UK wildlife is the Himalayan Balsam. It spreads easily through animals, wind and rivers, and this fast-growing species is hard to contain once it takes off. Each plant can produce around 800 seeds, with pods that can launch them up to 22 feet away from the original site. 9 This weed can travel quickly, taking other native species Credit: Alamy Giant Hogweed Another common plant seen by the coast and in forests is Giant Hogweed. It's one you want to steer clear of as it contains a potent chemical called furanocoumarins, which can cause serious injury if its sap touches human skin. The reaction can lead to burning, blistering, and even permanent scarring, making this plant one of the most dangerous in the UK. 9 Giant Hogweed can cause harm to humans Credit: Getty New Zealand Pigmyweed Last but not least is the New Zealand Pigmyweed, which wipes out any native species that crosses its path. To prevent its spread, sales of this plant have been banned in the UK since 2014.
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
The nine ‘criminal' garden plants that could get you in trouble with the police and leave you with a £5,000 fine
THE sun is out and many of us are making the most of it in our gardens. But instead of sitting on your lounger, you may want to focus your attention on the plants growing in your garden to prevent a hefty fine. 9 These plants could cost you thousands of pounds Credit: Getty While they may look innocent, there are several plants wreaking havoc in UK gardens, and if you're not careful, it could lead to structural damage, wildlife damage and paying out fines. Gardening experts at Fantastic Gardeners say these plants are more than just annoying weeds, they can takeover wildlife, cause burns and some are under strict regulation laws in the UK. 'These plants tend to spread vigorously, making their control costly and difficult,' they warned. Here, we take a look at the plants you need to check are in your garden to prevent penalties of up to £5,000 or two years in jail according to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. READ MORE ON GARDENING Spear Thistle This purple plant may look lovely but is highly invasive and poses a huge threat to other UK native species. Spear thistle is a troublesome weed because, upon germination, it produces a tap root with lateral roots that spread horizontally. According to Fantastic Gardeners, it's incredibly adaptable and can compete with almost every plant it comes across so if you see it in the garden, it's time to get your gloves on. Broad-Leaved Dock This green, leafy plant may look harmless but is also highly invasive and can bring a huge range of unwanted garden pests, according to the Most read in Fabulous Broad-leaved dock thrives in all soil types, with 'no climatic limitation' stopping it from spreading throughout the UK. 9 The Dock plant can bring unwanted pests Credit: Getty Common Ragwort The pretty yellow flowers might deceive you, but this is one of the most commonly reported weeds across the country. This weed is toxic to mammals and its growth should be strictly controlled to protect livestock. 9 These pretty flowers are toxic to animals Credit: Alamy Map reveals worst areas for Japanese knotweed with fears plant will wipe thousands off house prices Curled Dock Similar to Broad-leaved dock, this is a resilient and persistent weed. Both curled dock and broad-leaved dock are regulated under the Weeds Act of 1959. 9 The curled dock is also considered an invasive plant Credit: Getty Japanese Knotweed This invasive plant is one of the most well-known in the UK. The Japanese Knotweed can grow almost anywhere and can cause serious issues for homeowners. Knotweed can take years to completely eradicate and often costs over £10,000 to remove professionally. 9 Japanese Knotweed can cost thousands to remove Credit: Getty Rhododendron Ponticum While this plant has beautiful purple blooms making it an attractive addition to the garden, you need to be careful This plant towers over others and prevents sunlight from reaching them. In fact, the UK spends millions each year trying to eradicate it, and it's far from easy to control. 9 This plant prevents others from growing Credit: Getty - Contributor May gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May. GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there's so much more to do and grow. Plant out dahlia tubers It's a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get - and space accordingly - anything up to half a metre apart. It's a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them. And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July. Final feed to Spring flowers You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils. Although the majority of bulbs aren't guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you've left them to die back naturally there's a good chance they'll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine. Tie up climbers Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now - try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don't sprout off in crazy directions. Feed the lawn It's not too late to give your lawn a good feed. Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months. While mowing, don't go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height. Get creative It's also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots. Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets. And pots can be planted with spring bulbs. Don't forget the greenhouse ! Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out. The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul. You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution - or even neat if you're feeling spendy - which gives a really good shine. Himalayan Balsam Another pretty plant that is a total menace to UK wildlife is the Himalayan Balsam. It spreads easily through animals, wind and rivers, and this fast-growing species is hard to contain once it takes off. Each plant can produce around 800 seeds, with pods that can launch them up to 22 feet away from the original site. 9 This weed can travel quickly, taking other native species Credit: Alamy Giant Hogweed Another common plant seen by the coast and in forests is Giant It's one you want to steer clear of as it contains a potent chemical called furanocoumarins, which can cause serious injury if its sap touches human skin. The reaction can lead to burning, blistering, and even permanent scarring, making this plant one of the most dangerous in the UK. 9 Giant Hogweed can cause harm to humans Credit: Getty New Zealand Pigmyweed Last but not least is the New Zealand Pigmyweed, which wipes out any native species that crosses its path. To prevent its spread, sales of this plant have been banned in the UK since 2014. 9 The sale of this plant has been banned for over ten years Credit: Alamy
