While spring is the perfect time for gardeners to get their gloves out and get their lawns in tip top shape, gardeners are urged to bear in mind that the RHS announced birds “are in trouble, and they need our help”.
A 2023 State of Nature report disclosed 43% of all British bird species are at risk of vanishing within the next few decades.
Instead, use hand tools instead of power tools until the end of the breeding season. The experts recommend avoiding any hedge maintenance until the end of September.
This is because it isn’t solely during the winter months, when shelter, food and water become increasingly scarce for birds.
Summer proves just as critical for beloved garden birds such as robins and blackbirds as they raise their young and must keep their energy levels up.
The RHS advises delaying any hedge-trimming even towards the end of the summer, saying: “Delay hedge cutting until late August when nesting season is safely out of the way. With berrying hedges, try cutting one side this year and the other side next year to ensure there are always berries on offer to birds.”
Dense hedgerows provide safe nesting spots and vital protection for fledgling birds as they develop.
Bird specialists at Haiths agree that hedge trimming should not be a summer task at all.
They said: “August is a great time for birdwatching in our gardens. As summer matures and hints of autumn begin to appear, a diverse array of birds can be observed, each bringing a unique charm and activity to your garden.
“In August, these territorial birds [robins] can often be seen foraging for insects and worms. [Blackbirds] are ground feeders, so keep an eye on the lawn or under shrubs where they search for insects and worms.”
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