Grounds Maintenance during Bird Nesting Season

Bird Nesting Season takes place within the months of February and August. This is essentially a period in which birds will begin to nest homes to incubate their eggs and accommodate their young. England is in support of natural habitats and have put laws in place to prevent the destruction and interference of the occurrences within nature’s ecosystems.

With that being said, it is extremely important that all communities are aware of this before carrying out any ground’s maintenance and consider the legal and ecological implications of habitat management and vegetation clearance works, particularly around hedgerows and trees. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 warns against the intentional or reckless harming of birds and habitats.

It is illegal to do any of the following:[1]

• Intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird.
• Intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.
• Intentionally take or destroy the egg of any wild bird.
• Possess wild birds (dead or alive) and their eggs.
• Use traps, poison or similar items to kill, injure or take wild birds.

If you require appropriate grounds maintenance and would like access to services that align with wildlife legislations, our Grounds Maintenance & Associated Services framework can provide soft landscaping, using traditional and non-traditional treatments, including maintenance of grassed areas, laying or improving turf, pruning and more. The framework also includes hard landscaping, which includes fencing, water features, weed control and much more. If works must take place during bird nesting season, it is essential to source maintenance from trusted agencies that are aware of all restrictions, to prevent significant expenses and delays associated with halted works or enforcement actions.

For more information on our Grounds Maintenance & Associated Services framework, visit here.