You only have a few days left to trim your hedges.
It is in fact strongly recommended by the French Biodiversity Office (OFB) to do so after March 15.
For farmers, this practice is even prohibited by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) between March 16 and August 15.
In addition to serving as fences, hedges play an important role in preventing natural risks.
They also constitute “a very important living space for biodiversity”, explains the Oise Prefecture on its website.
They are particularly essential for birds, which can make their nests there.
However,
the nesting period
begins in mid-March.
“To avoid disturbing or dislodging birds during this crucial period for their life cycle, the French Biodiversity Office recommends not trimming hedges or pruning trees from March 15 to July 31,” continues the authority.
The OFB even specifies that the best is to extend this period to the end of August, to ensure that the last chicks have fledged.
Also read: Trim hedges, prune trees: tenant or owner, who should pay?
What the law says ?
Unlike the agricultural sector, no law prohibits the cutting of hedges for individuals or communities.
However, there are sometimes local regulations in force which may impose a ban.
Hence the importance of finding out beforehand.
Many departments or municipalities have therefore issued orders to prohibit individuals and communities from all work (destruction, maintenance, pruning, etc.) on hedges during the nesting period.
On the other hand, for farmers, the law is clear: they are prohibited from trimming their hedges
between March 16 and August 15.
Failure to comply with this provision is punishable by up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of €150,000 “for harm to the conservation of non-domestic animal species and for destruction of their habitat”.
They may also see their aid from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reduced.
Read also Equip yourself with a hedge trimmer now to benefit from it at the best price before the season