Council hedge cuts halted in wild birds row

A KENT council has suspended all hedge trimming and begun an investigation after a large hedge was removed, leading to claims from residents that birds’ nests were disturbed.

A campaign group, Thanet Trees, posted pictures online of what it claims are disturbed hedges at the nest site.

It is against the law to knowingly disturb an active nest or otherwise harm wildlife. More than 150 campaigners gathered to protest against the hedge cutting, in which gardeners hacked the huge hedge almost down to the roots.

Amelia Gregory, of Thanet Trees, said: “It was a disastrous decision to flail these bushes with a completely inappropriate industrial machine, without due checks for nesting birds.”

The RSPB advises the public not to cut or prune hedges and bushes between March and August due to the likelihood of birds nesting in hedges.

The council leader responded to the hedge cutting at Margate Winter Gardens in Kent by calling for an internal review and by cancelling all further hedge maintenance until October 1.

Councillor Bob Bayford, leader of Thanet District Council, said: “Our priority should always be to preserve and enhance Thanet’s biodiversity and natural environment.”

He called for a review of the maintenance work carried out on June 4.

“Although Kent Police have confirmed they found no evidence of any disturbance or damage to nesting birds and therefore concluded that no offences have been committed, we are keen to understand the council’s approach to this work, with a view to continuous improvement.”