Village near Banbury angry at hacking of hedge mid-way through bird nesting season

The flail cutting of the hedge has been described as a ‘controversy’. It was cut back recently in Banbury Lane adjacent to the Halestrap housing estate.

The work was undertaken by an estates maintenance company against a specific request to leave it until September to allow chicks to fledge.

In a recent report the Parish Clerk said: “I am aware that some residents have contacted Premier Estates directly to complain that works should not have been carried out during the nesting season.

"A representative from Premier Estates has indicated to the Parish Council that works were instructed prior to the beginning of the nesting season. The contractor was unable to complete them before March and was then asked to wait until the autumn but unfortunately proceeded with the works. Premier Estates expressed regret that this had happened.”

In England, there is no complete ban on hedge cutting in May for ordinary gardens but there are important legal restrictions connected with nesting birds.

Under UK Government guidance it is illegal intentionally to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is being built or in use. For agricultural hedgerows, there is a specific legal ban on cutting or trimming most hedgerows from March 1 - August 31.

Organisations such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Royal Horticultural Society strongly advise avoiding hedge cutting between March and August - the main nesting season.

Premier Estates has been approached for a comment.