WALKING ON EGGSHELLS…not a good time to trip your hedges

Did you know that you risk a fine of 150,000 € if you trim your hedges after March 15… although  fortunately this does not apply to everyone?

Even if you’re not on the potential fine hit list,  it is not recommended to trim  your hedges after this Saturday, March 15.as pruning hedges during this period is detrimental to the many species of birds  (blackbird, robin, European greenfinch, chaffinch…) that nest in them. By trimming your hedges and shrubs during this “protected” period, you risk destroying their natural habitat and endangering the chicks.

While there is no actual law prohibiting private individuals from trimming their hedges between March 15 and July 31, in some departments, by-laws may have been issued which must be respected in order to avoid a fine.

Farmers, on the other hand, face three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 150,000 euros if they continue to trim their hedges between April 1 and July 31, as stated in the decree of April 24, 2015.

Whoever you are, individual or  farmer, it’s best to avoid trimming your hedges during this period, as you could still be sanctioned if broken eggs are spotted in the cuttings, by officious neighbours or if an OFB officer just happens to be passing by!