Gardeners could be fined for cutting hedges

Northern Ireland homeowners hoping to trim back their hedges this spring are being warned that they run the risk of incurring a hefty fine or even jail time.

As the better weather approaches, many householders will be eager to give their gardens a much-needed spruce up by pulling out weeds, cutting the grass and pruning back any overgrown hedges.

But the home insurance experts at CompareNI.com are reminding property owners who plan to cut their hedges in the coming months that they may be breaking a little-known environmental law if they’re not careful.

The Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 is designed to protect nesting birds, making it an offence to intentionally damage or destroy a wild bird’s nest while it is being built or in use.*

Nesting season in Northern Ireland typically runs from March 1 to August 31, and while it is not illegal to cut domestic hedges during this period, anyone who damages a bird’s nest while doing so – even inadvertently – could be slapped with a fine of up to £5,000 and in some cases, even six months in prison.**

However, it should be noted it is a criminal offence for farm hedgerows to be trimmed during this period, unless the hedges are causing an obstruction and pose a safety risk to roads users.***

Ian Wilson, home insurance expert and Managing Director of CompareNI.com said: “The start of spring is when many people dig out their tools and head back into their gardens, taking advantage of the extra daylight to clear up any winter debris and carry out some much-needed maintenance.

“But it is important for householders to remember that this is also a crucial period for nesting birds in the UK, as March marks the start of the breeding season. Nests are legally protected and anyone who disturbs or destroys them could find themselves in trouble with the law.

“Protecting our wildlife is everyone’s responsibility, so I would urge gardeners to consider checking carefully for nests and putting away their trimmers if in any doubt.

“Once the nesting season has passed at the end of August, it is crucial that any overgrown hedges be cut back. Anyone who owns or lives on land next to a public road or footpath is legally responsible for maintaining any hedges or trees growing on their property, which could obstruct the view of passing motorists or endanger pedestrians.****

“It is also important to remember that neglecting to keep the property and grounds in good condition could void home insurance, as providers will usually not pay out if an incident happens due to poor maintenance on the policyholder’s part.”

Spring is also a good time for homeowners to get on top of any essential maintenance tasks, such as making sure their drains and gutters have been cleared of any potential blockages, as this can cause water to leak into the home and damage its roof or foundations.

Homeowners should also check for any damage to their roof that may have happened during the winter months, such as missing or cracked tiles that may have been blown off by strong winds.

CompareNI.com gives customers the tools to help them find savings on their home insurance.

References:

*https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1985/171

**https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1985/171/article/27#commentary-c22503331

***https://www.ufuni.org/rules-on-hedge-cutting-explained-4/#:~:text=In%20Northern%20Ireland%2C%20there%20are%20cross%2Dcompliance%20rules,Planting%20oil%20seed%20rape%20or%20grass%20re%2Dseeds

****https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/roadside-grass-cutting-weeds-and-overgrown-hedges-or-trees