Hi
I'm trying to clear an infestation of montrbetia from the beds in my garden with a view to replanting with bee/butterlfy friendly plants and flowers. I'm partway through the job and need to tackle two areas either side of an ornamental shrub, next. However, I noticed a female blackbird collecting the debris I had left behind from earlier gardening. She then flew into the back of the shrub where I presume she was building a nest.
This has raised a couple of questions and I was wondering if more experienced birders here (I'm new!) could clarify where gardeners stand with regards to this. UK law states that a "live" nest should not be touched or damaged. I have not interfered with the shrub at all and have no intention of pruning it but does digging around the shrub still constitute disturbing a "live" nest?
The nest does not appear to be visted at all today. In fact I had a quick look and it only seems to be in the early stages of construction. So, I don't knowwhether the blackbirds have changed their minds and decided to nest elsewhere. At what point can you consider a nest to be abandoned?
Any advice gratefully received! Thanks
I'm trying to clear an infestation of montrbetia from the beds in my garden with a view to replanting with bee/butterlfy friendly plants and flowers. I'm partway through the job and need to tackle two areas either side of an ornamental shrub, next. However, I noticed a female blackbird collecting the debris I had left behind from earlier gardening. She then flew into the back of the shrub where I presume she was building a nest.
This has raised a couple of questions and I was wondering if more experienced birders here (I'm new!) could clarify where gardeners stand with regards to this. UK law states that a "live" nest should not be touched or damaged. I have not interfered with the shrub at all and have no intention of pruning it but does digging around the shrub still constitute disturbing a "live" nest?
The nest does not appear to be visted at all today. In fact I had a quick look and it only seems to be in the early stages of construction. So, I don't knowwhether the blackbirds have changed their minds and decided to nest elsewhere. At what point can you consider a nest to be abandoned?
Any advice gratefully received! Thanks
