Come March and something very special is happening in our hedgerows. In parks and gardens across the UK, birds are preparing to welcome in the next generation by building nests. March to September marks the main nesting season and it’s crucial that we are careful not to disturb birds during this time.

Many small garden birds, such as Robins and Wrens, choose to nest within a few metres off the ground where hedges can offer a good coverage of greenery and leaves. You may well see birds darting to and from the hedgerow, taking in nesting material such as moss and small twigs. And it’s not just hedges.

Birds also build nests in the trees, shrubs and climbers in our gardens. This vegetation is a lifeline for the birds: it provides a foundation on which their nests will rest, protects their eggs and chicks from wind, rain and sun, and helps hide them from predators.