As we move from late winter into early spring, gardens across the United Kingdom start to come alive. Birds begin scouting for safe places to nest, hedges become nurseries, and even the quietest corners of your garden can suddenly become home to growing families.
Here in Devon, nesting season is an exciting time, but it also comes with responsibilities. Understanding how to garden safely during this period helps protect local wildlife while still keeping your outdoor space looking its best.
When Is Bird Nesting Season in the UK?
Nesting season in the UK typically runs from March to August, with peak activity between April and early July. Some birds, like wood pigeons, may nest even earlier or later depending on the weather.
During this period, birds are:
- Choosing nest sites
- Laying eggs
- Feeding their young
- Teaching fledglings to fly
This is why gardening activities need a little extra care — nests are hidden, delicate and legally protected.
Is It Illegal to Cut Hedges During Nesting Season?
In short: yes, if birds are actively nesting.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to:
- Damage or remove an active nest
- Disturb parent birds tending eggs or chicks
This means that hedge cutting, trimming dense shrubs or heavy pruning should be avoided if there’s any chance a nest is present.
You can still trim hedges outside of nesting season, but from March onwards it’s safest to delay major work or check extremely carefully.
How to Check Your Hedge for Nests (Safely)
Before doing any pruning:
- Look for movement going in and out of the hedge
- Listen for repeated chirping or rustling
- Watch for parent birds returning to the same spot
- Inspect gently from the outside only — never poke or move branches to look inside
If you spot a nest, simply leave it undisturbed. Birds usually finish nesting within a few weeks.
What To Do If You Find a Nest
You don’t need to do anything except give it space.
Even if the nest seems abandoned, birds may be nearby.
You must not:
- Move the nest
- Trim the hedge around it
- Try to feed or handle chicks
If the nest is in an inconvenient spot, wait until the fledglings have gone. Birds rarely reuse the exact same nest the following year.
How Long Do Birds Stay in the Nest?
UK garden birds follow roughly this pattern:
- Egg incubation: 10–18 days
- Chicks in the nest: 10–30 days (depending on species)
- Fledgling stage: 1–3 weeks around the garden
This means most bird families complete the cycle in 4–7 weeks — much quicker than people expect.
How to Help Birds During Nesting Season
Small, simple changes can make a big difference.
1. Offer Safe Food Sources
Mealworms, suet, seeds and fat balls support parents who make hundreds of feeding trips a day.
2. Provide Fresh Water
Birds need it for both drinking and feather cleaning.
3. Leave Areas a Little Wild
Long grass, dense shrubs and undisturbed corners offer shelter.
4. Plant for Shelter and Food
Native shrubs support insects, which in turn feed chicks.
5. Keep Pets Away When Possible
Especially near hedges or shrubs where birds are likely to nest.
Plants That Encourage Nesting Birds
Birds look for dense, protective foliage. Good choices include:
- Hawthorn
- Blackthorn
- Holly
- Pyracantha
- Dogwood
- Privet
- Berberis
Many offer berries later in the year too, helping birds beyond spring.
Common Garden Birds in Devon and Where They Nest
You’re likely to see:
- Blackbirds – low, dense hedges
- Robins – pots, sheds, ivy, sheltered corners
- Blue tits & great tits – nest boxes, holes, old trees
- Dunnocks – deep inside thick shrubs
- Wood pigeons – trees and tall hedges
Devon’s mild climate means many birds start early, so vigilance from February onwards is helpful.
Kings Essentials: What You’ll Need This Nesting Season
If you want to support your local birdlife, Kings has everything you need in-store, including:
- Bird food for spring feeding
- Nest boxes
- Feeders
- Wildlife-friendly plants
- Water dishes and bird baths
If you’re unsure what’s best for your garden, our team in Exmouth and Sidmouth are always happy to help.
A Quick Disclaimer
Nature has its own schedule. Use this guide as a friendly overview, but always check your own garden carefully and adjust work based on weather, activity and local conditions.