THE RSPB is appealing for people to allow their hedges to go un-cut and to be extra careful gardening from now on, as many birds have started nesting.

By cutting trees, hedges or bushes now the wildlife charity says you could unwittingly injure the nesting birds, scare them away causing them to abandon their chicks, or damage their nests.

It has received numerous calls from individuals concerned that neighbours or landlords are cutting hedges.

RSPB’s head of wildlife enquiries Val Osborne said: “If you think someone is cutting back hedges where birds may be nesting, we would suggest you alert them to the risk and ask that they stop immediately and leave it until a bit later in the year.

“They might even be grateful that you’re saving them a job.”