Why Birds’ Nesting Season Matters when undertaking work on trees and hedges.

As spring arrives, trees burst into life—and so does the UK’s bird population. For professionals in arboriculture and tree surgery, **birds’ nesting season** is a critical time of year that affects the timing and planning of many tree-related activities.

Understanding the implications of nesting season is not just about best practice—it's also about staying compliant with **UK wildlife laws**, protecting local ecosystems, and maintaining a positive reputation in your community.

When is Birds’ Nesting Season in the UK?

The official **bird nesting season** typically runs from **1st March to 31st August**, though it can vary slightly depending on weather patterns and species. During this period, birds are actively building nests, laying eggs, and raising their young—many of which are protected by law.

Legal Responsibilities for Tree Surgeons

Under the **Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981**, it is an offence to intentionally:

- Kill, injure or take any wild bird
- Damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built
- Take or destroy the eggs of any wild bird

As a result, carrying out **tree surgery**, **hedge cutting**, or **site clearance** without first checking for active nests can result in **hefty fines** and even **criminal charges**.

How Nesting Season Affects Tree Work

Here’s how nesting season can impact arboricultural operations:

1. **Delays in Scheduled Tree Work**
Tree surgery jobs such as **crown reduction, pruning, felling, and hedge trimming** may need to be delayed or rescheduled if a nest is discovered on-site. For tree surgeons managing a busy calendar, this can affect workflow and client timelines.

2. **Need for Pre-Work Nesting Surveys**
Before starting any tree or vegetation work during nesting season, it’s vital to carry out a **nesting bird survey**. This can be done by a qualified ecologist, or arborists themselves if trained and experienced in identifying nesting activity.

3. **Increased Risk and Liability**
Accidentally disturbing a nest can lead to legal repercussions and damage your business’s reputation. Many clients, especially councils and large developers, expect contractors to follow strict **environmental compliance procedures**.

4. **Planning and Communication**
Tree surgeons must build flexibility into their schedules and communicate clearly with clients about potential nesting-related delays. Having policies in place for how you assess and respond to nesting activity can build trust and show professionalism.

Best Practices for Tree Surgeons During Nesting Season

- **Conduct visual inspections** before any work begins
- Use **binoculars or drone surveys** to check tall trees
- **Train staff** to identify common UK bird nests
- Schedule **non-essential pruning or felling** outside of March to August
- If in doubt, **consult an ecologist**

How planing and inspections help tree surgeons stay compliant

**schedule jobs smarter**, **log nesting checks**, and maintain records of **ecological assessments**. With digital job sheets and real-time updates, your team can respond quickly to nesting discoveries and keep clients informed.

Final Thoughts

Birds’ nesting season is a key environmental consideration for anyone working in arboriculture. By respecting wildlife laws and planning ahead, tree surgeons can avoid legal trouble, protect biodiversity, and demonstrate their commitment to responsible tree care.

Staying informed and adaptable during this time of year isn't just good practice—it's essential to running a successful and ethical tree surgery business.

DGS Trees will ensure when undertaking work during the bird nesting season, that we will inspect and record inspections to ensure complinace with teh countryside and wildlife act 1981.