Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice on a situation with my neighbors. I've lived in my house for 28 years and have some mature trees in my backyard, which I've let ivy grow on to provide shelter for birds. Recently, I received a note from my neighbor demanding that I cut it back because it's blocking light and is an eyesore. The thing is, there are birds nesting in the ivy right now, and I know that cutting it back would disturb them and could be illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. I want to keep the peace, but I also don't want to harm the birds. Cutting the ivy back is not something I can manage on my own due to the height of the trees. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
If the ivy is affecting their light but not actually overhanging their garden, they can't really demand anything. Also, you’re right about the nesting birds; it’s illegal to disturb them. Maybe consider getting a wildlife camera to document the birds nesting, just in case they try to push you."
You might want to check out some UK legal advice forums. Cutting back during nesting season is definitely a no-go, and typically, any tree maintenance is best done in the autumn or winter anyway. You’re likely fine as long as you're not violating any local housing rules, so just let them know you can’t do anything right now because of the birds.
Exactly! Just keep them posted that you’re aware of the situation and plan to address it after nesting season.
That note doesn’t sound very neighborly! It might be best to just ignore it for now. After 28 years, it sounds like there could be a history between you two, and they should really come talk to you instead of leaving notes. I had a similar situation where a neighbor came to me about some branches overhanging his property, and we worked it out without any fuss. Maybe ask them to chat instead next time?
Totally agree! Seems like they could use a lesson in neighborly communication. If they really wanted to sort it out, a knock on the door would have been a better approach.
Yeah, that’s a great idea! Having evidence of nesting birds could help protect you from any complaints or disputes.