The message
from Broadback contains these words:

While we are on the subject, what is the earliest that one should cut
hedges, from the wildlife point of view?

I cut my front hedge in March and didn't disturb anything. Some birds
nest most of the year - I've found pigeons and doves nedting in
December, so it's a matter of looking carefully first.

Most birds won't object too much if you give your hedge a quick trim. I
cut mine back a foot...

--
Rusty
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