Only a few days left to trim garden hedges in France or risk a fine
Some areas ban the practice, with the recommended no-trim period lasting until August
Hedge trimming during spring and most of the summer poses a risk to nesting animals and birds, including blackbirds
Jurga Jot / Sebastian_Photography / Shutterstock
Have a hedge in your garden in France that needs trimming? You will need to do it within the next few days or risk receiving a heavy fine if left until after the annual ban on trimming hedges comes into effect.
From March 15 inclusive (this coming Saturday), some areas in France will issue fines to those who trim their hedges.
This is because there is a risk to birds and other nesting animals which start to nest and have young in the hedges as spring approaches.
The period lasts from March 15 to August 15.
In theory, there is no nationwide law imposing a ‘ban’ for individuals, such bans only technically apply to farmers (according to the Politique agricole commune, PAC). However, some municipalities can issue local regulations leading to bans and sanctions for individuals if they so choose.
For rules local to you, it is advised to check with your local mairie.
According to Article L-411-1 of the Code de l’environnement the destruction or cutting of the habitat of some species is prohibited. Sanctions for farmers and corporations can be as high as €150,000, and three months in prison.
Individuals who do not respect prefectoral decrees in place are liable to a fine of €750. If an officer from the biodiversity agency l’Office français de la biodiversité (OFB) finds any trace of an animal presence that has been destroyed, such as broken eggs or a nest, a penalty may be imposed.
Read also: Homeowners asked to pause cutting garden hedges in France
No trimming recommended
Even in regions that do not levy fines for individuals, both bird protection association la Ligue pour la protection des oiseaux (LPO) and the OFB recommend that hedges are no longer cut back nor trees pruned during the entire period to protect nests.
“To avoid disturbing or dislodging birds during this crucial period in their life cycle, the OFB recommends not trimming hedges or pruning trees from 15 March to 31 July,” it states.
Some of the main bird species concerned include:
Blackbird
Common chiffchaff
European greenfinch
European robin
Common linnet
Eurasian collared dove
Hedgehogs can also nest at the bottom of hedges and in grass, so care should be taken when mowing lawns or tidying undergrowth, the LPO warns.
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