17/08/2026
Bird nesting season is nearly over – is your site clearance planned?
With the end of August approaching, now is the time for pre-construction teams to be looking ahead at sites requiring tree, scrub or vegetation clearance.
Did you know? There isn't actually a fixed legal "bird nesting season" in the UK.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, wild birds, their eggs and nests are protected, and it is an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird while it is in use or being built.
March to August is generally considered the main nesting period – but birds can nest outside these dates too.
So why does this matter? If vegetation clearance is left until later in the programme and active nests are present, works may need to be postponed or adapted, potentially resulting in:
1. Programme delays
2. Additional ecological and site costs
3. Changes to planned mobilisation dates
4. Knock-on effects to subsequent works
Planning clearance during the appropriate window, alongside the necessary ecological advice and checks, can help reduce these risks and get the site ready to schedule.
At PGE, our enabling works capability includes tree and vegetation clearance, helping clients prepare sites for the next stage of development.
If you have sites coming forward over the next 6–12 months, now is the time to start the conversation.
Get in touch with Steve Abbotts to discuss how PGE can help: [email protected] or 07415 134 610.