UK households with garden hedges face a significant rule change in September, saving them from potentially hefty fines. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 stipulates that it's an offence to intentionally damage or destroy a wild bird's nest while it's being built or in use. Given that birds often nest in hedgerows from March to August, any gardening work that disturbs them could result in serious legal repercussions.

"Many people choose to leave it to the spring or summer to maintain any hedges or trees on their property, but it is important that householders are aware that by doing so they could potentially fall foul of the law," warns Ian Wilson, home insurance expert and managing director of Tiger.co.uk.

"So gardeners may want to consider putting away their trimmers until the nesting season has passed," he suggests. Trimming is prohibited from 1 March to 31 August, barring specific exemptions, but come September, it's all systems go.

'As a requirement for home insurance, your property and grounds need to be well maintained," Ian adds. "If an incident occurs through lack of care, you may not be protected by your insurance policy", reports Birmingham Live.

Specialists at Husqvana clarify: "Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it's an offence to intentionally damage or destroy a wild bird's nest while it is being built or in use.

"That includes consciously using a hedge trimmer when there is a bird's nest in your hedge, and in the process of doing so, causing the nest to be damaged or destroyed."

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds explains: "The moment it becomes active, it is illegal to destroy it." For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here

The RSPB states: "The consequences for the above, even in the event of harm to a single bird, nest or egg, is an unlimited fine, up to six months in jail or both. Suffice to say, it is certainly not a risk worth taking."