Latest news with #WoodStreetCareLeicester
Daily Mirror
5 days 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."
Daily Mirror
02-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners who trim hedges over bank holiday weekend could face prison
Spring is in full swing and many gardeners will be getting back outside and getting on with some essential maintenance - but there's a law to be aware of during certain months Garden enthusiasts eager to tidy up their greenery with the sun shining might want to think twice - as they could risk jail time and an 'unlimited fine' if they fall foul of hedge trimming laws. With the weather scorching and a bank holiday on the horizon, many are rolling up their sleeves for some much-needed garden sprucing this weekend. However, before you take shears to hedges, be mindful of both their growth and the law. Trimming farm hedgerows is specifically prohibited from April 1 until August 31, except under exceptional circumstances that call for a special licence. For householders looking to neaten their domestic shrubbery, while some trimming is legal now, any damage or destruction caused to bird nests, whether deliberate or accidental, could land you in hot water. Wood Street Care Leicester has issued advice, stating: "You must avoid the bird nesting season, which runs from March to August. However, you can cut your hedges after new years day until the end of February." They also warn: "It's illegal to cut your hedges during bird nesting season, which runs from March to August." Clear guidelines indicate that not only is it detrimental to our feathered friends to trim during nesting season, but going ahead with cutting hedges over 20 metres high without council permission also breaks the rules. Husqvana has issued a stark warning, stating: "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, reports the Express. It says that a person is breaking that law if they intentionally damage a bird's nest while it's being used or built, and this applies to trimming hedges, saying: "The moment it becomes active, it is illegal to destroy it". Breaking this law could land you an unlimited fine and six months in prison. The RSPB adds: "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."
