My Cart
0
You have no items in your shopping cart.
It’s finally getting lighter in the mornings and evenings, and we’re beginning to see the first signs of spring! We know it’s exciting, but before you jump head first into all the garden jobs you’ve been waiting to do like sprucing up the timber decking or trimming hedges or pruning trees, there’s an important detail to consider: nesting season.
Typically running from March to August, this is when birds are actively nesting and laying their eggs. Many of the standard garden maintenance tasks you might not bat an eyelid at generally, like hedge trimming, branch cutting, and the like, can disrupt these nests – which is actually against the law! So with that in mind, here are some garden tasks you can be getting on with in the meantime, totally guilt-free.
While certain tasks like hedge trimming and tree pruning should be put on hold during nesting season, there’s still plenty you can get stuck into that won’t disturb the birds. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it illegal to disturb nesting birds, their nests, or eggs, which is something a lot of people don’t know. So, to avoid any legal drama and disrupting the birds in your garden, you can always get on with:
1. A general garden tidy-up. A good place to start is tackling general tidying jobs around your garden. We don’t know about you, but it feels like it’s been a long winter, and your garden probably feels the same. So, cleaning up fallen leaves, removing weeds, and picking up any wind-scattered debris can give your garden an instant lift without disturbing any of your feathered neighbours!
2. Mowing the grass. If your lawn is looking a bit wild, give it a trim! Mowing the grass is a great way to tidy things up without disturbing any bird nests. If you do have a lot of wild and tall grass, it’s best to check it for other creatures before you run the mower over it, like rabbits or mice!
3. Installing decking with Our Easy Fit Decking Kits. If you’re itching for a more substantial project, why not consider installing some timber decking? Our Easy Fit Decking Kits are perfect for creating a beautiful outdoor space during nesting season. These kits come in a range of styles, including colonial and contemporary designs, and offer the option of adding a balustrade or handrail.
With a variety of sizes available, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your garden. The kits are designed to be easy to install, and the joists are slightly over length to ensure a perfect fit every time. So, this project is the perfect combination of achievable and attractive.
4. Power washing. If your garden furniture or patios need a clean-up before Spring fully kicks in, power washing is an easy way to remove dirt and grime without disturbing any wildlife (or getting your hands dirty). Your furniture will look sparkling and new, and you can wash away any of the remnants of the cold winter months from your flagstones, leaving them gleaming and ready for another BBQ season.
5. Painting and refreshing fencing. Is your garden fence looking a little worse for wear? Now’s a great time to refresh it with a fresh lick of paint, seal or stain. Again, this is another great way to instantly give your garden a facelift without interfering with bird nests. Plus, it helps protect the wood from the elements, ensuring your fence lasts longer. Just make sure you have the weather for it; you want a couple of clear, mild days for the best results!
These are just a few of our ideas; you may well have a few of your own! Obviously, it’s not illegal to actually trim your hedges or prune your trees during nesting season; the likelihood of returning an active nest is just a lot higher. So, if you really need to trim your hedges, just be sure to perform thorough checks of the bush beforehand to make sure there are no active nests. If you’re confident no birds have set up shop there, then you’re good to go!
If you need supplies or advice on upgrading your garden this spring, whether it’s with timber decking or something else, feel free to stop by one of our stores in Blackpool, Bradford, Wigan, or Preston. Or if you’re not local, you could always just give our expert a team call at 0345 0268 799 for some friendly, helpful advice over the phone!
