Residents with garden hedges adjoining pavements and public footpaths are being urged to cut them back before the main breeding season for nesting birds, which lasts from March to August each year.
Cambridgeshire County Council’s Highways Department wants to remind home owners to tackle their hedges now to prevent new growth obstructing pavements over the summer.
However, some birds may nest outside the main breeding season, so it is important to check for active nests before cutting. Anyone who has to cut during the nesting season for some reason should check for nests first and only use hand tools.
The RSPB warns: “It is an offence under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built, or to intentionally kill, injure or take chicks or adults, or intentionally take or destroy any eggs.”