Devastated

Question

I looked out my window today and saw the beautiful holly tree next door being chopped to the ground. This was a very big beautiful hooly tree which served as food for many birds in the winter and everyday as a landing perch to all the birds that fly to our garden. So you can understand my horror when i saw it fall to the ground. 
 
 I ran out side and asked what was going on the man said he was going to build a garage which now means not only has the holly tree gone but so will all the hedgerow which is shelter to the birds. We dont believe they have applied for planning permission yet even as we have not been contacted regarding objection. And of course we will object even though the only ground would be the destruction of more hedgerow. 
 
 I know its not my tree or hedge but it gave me so much pleasure watching all the different species of birds that landed in. I am so upet i cant stop crying. We only have a small garden but we are going to somehow put a tree at the back. So any advice on somehing the birds would love but not too big would be of great help. 
 A very upset Julie

Anonymous · Answer

Hi Julie, 
 If you're certain that there's an active nest in this hedge, make sure your neighbours know. If they then proceed to remove the hedge, they are liable to prosecution, for the willful destruction of the nest. 
 MC:-)

LloydScott · Answer

Hi Julie, This does sound very typical to the kind of enquiries were receiving from all across the country at this time of year. Hedges and tree's should never be cut during the nesting season of March to August. Hedge trimming is best left until the end of the winter to leave the larder of natural foods for wildlife. We have to reiterate that the most important consideration is to avoid such work during the breeding season. If an active nest was destroyed in full knowledge of it's presence then this does consitute as a criminal offence under the WCA 81. Either way, I do also appreciate at this stage it would be to difficult to confirm if nests were destroyed as a result of this work. 
 I have attached our info leaflet on Garden Hedges , this leaflet also touches on the legal implications and should be of help to you. But also please read Protecting hedgerows, trees and woodland ;-) 
 From the perspective of damage mitigation, check out this link to our website which covers everything you'll need to know in way of wildlife freindly shrubs, trees and climbers. Cotoneasters, Pyracantha, Ivy and Honeysuckles are all favourites with the birds in my garden! www.rspb.org.uk/advice/gardening/planting/index.aspx