The Isle of Man Government is reminding the public that hedgerows, sod banks and verges are important refuges for wildlife and unless there is a health and safety reason to do so, should be left from 1 March until 31 August before they are cut.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) advises that birds, their nest eggs and chicks, are legally protected. Additionally, hedgerows, sod banks and verges are also important habitats for other species.
Hedgerows should be checked for nesting birds prior to cutting. If nests are present, guidance from the Ecosystem Policy Team at DEFA should be sought prior to any work taking place.
The Department of Infrastructure has been undertaking a programme of hedge trimming in preparation for the TT festival.
The main reason for this work is road safety due to the increased volume of traffic on Manx roads, particularly in areas where people will park and where barriers and cones may narrow the road.
Trimming is always kept to a minimum in order to limit the impact on plants and habitat.
