If you’re thinking of cutting your hedge or pruning a tree, Essex Police’s Rural Engagement Team have reminded people it is illegal to take, damage or destroy any birds’ nests, warns.

“Everyone knows that stealing wild birds’ eggs is a crime but not everyone is aware that it’s also illegal to take, damage or destroy any birds’ nests,” says Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Crime officer PC Jed Raven.

“Most birds nest between March and August but some will nest outside these months so if you are cutting hedges or pruning trees at any time of year, you must make sure there is not an active bird nest in the branches before you start work.”

Simply disturbing nesting birds can cause parent birds to abandon their nests, eggs or young, leaving them to die.

Jed adds: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy nature and the countryside safely but that can only continue if we ensure that our wildlife is protected and preserved, not just for us but for generations to come.”

All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.