
Spring is here and it is a time when we all get a burst of energy for the coming year, the days are longer and the weather is ever so slightly warmer! Most of us will turn our attention to chores we may have neglected over the winter, make plans for the coming months and we crave that extra space and de-clutter! Unfortunately, not everything goes to plan as we may think it will and I want to raise awareness today so that you can factor in any upcoming tree works you have for this year without any disruption to you or any wildlife we have here in Scotland.
How We Approach Tree Works During the Bird Nesting Season.
The ‘Bird Nesting Season’ is officially from February until August in the UK and it is recommended that vegetation works (tree or hedge cutting) or site clearance should be done outside of the nesting season. However, in reality, the nesting period may start before this and extend beyond it, in some cases.
The busiest time for nesting birds is from 1st March until 31st July and of course varies according to species, etc.
Tree Workers Must be Compliant.
As a tree management company, we must make sure that local wildlife is protected. Their habitats should remain intact. We can still carry out many of our services without having to disrupt bird nesting as well as other animals. When we are engaged to undertake tree work during the nesting season, we are required to carry out a pre-works survey. This is just a simple visual check carried out by our team to ensure no birds are nesting in your tree. Only a suitably competent person can be responsible for this survey. We must always assume that birds will be nesting in trees, and we have to assess, record and verify that any tree management works we carry out will not disturb any actively nesting birds.
When undertaking work on commercial and building sites a full survey will be undertaken by our preferred specialists ecological consultancy, environmental education, conservation management and wildlife gardening agency.
Ground Vegetation and Neighbouring trees
Often, we are also asked to deal with vegetation at ground level, such as hedges and bushes, and we must apply the same approach as birds will often be found nesting in these locations. This is also true for neighbouring trees on site as the removal of adjacent trees or remedial works on a tree may lead to the established nest being abandoned, exposed to the elements or predation.
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Are There Any Exceptions During Bird Nesting Season?
There are however some exceptions where health and safety are concerned, as you can imagine if a tree is posing a hazard then action would have to be taken. In these cases, then an authorised person is allowed to prune or fell a tree providing it is in the name of health and safety. If a protected species of bird is nesting in such a tree, however, then a licence from DEFRA has to be acquired.
Many people believe that not every bird is protected by these rules. However, this is not true. Even if you have crows, magpies and even pigeons present, if they are nesting or roosting, they will be protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. You must understand all the rules that come with tree surgery and bird nesting season. We must comply with all the government guidelines; otherwise, we could face legal repercussions.
A Bird Nesting Thankyou
We here at TRS Tree Management Ltd would like to take the time to thank you during bird nesting season. We understand that it may be disappointing to find out that we can’t carry out your work.
It is important to us that we protect all wildlife when carrying out our work. In our experience most clients are sympathetic and if works need to be put on hold until nesting is over then this is usually accepted. Please see the following links for further information.
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