UK households with a particular garden are set to benefit from a significant rule change. Homes up and down the country with garden hedges could possibly avoid hefty penalties come September time.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 prohibits the intentional damage or destruction of wild birds' nests whilst they are under construction or occupied.

Given that birds frequently nest in hedgerows between March and August, any garden maintenance that causes disturbance could result in severe legal repercussions.

Trimming is banned from March 1 to August 31, barring certain exceptions, though September marks the return of unrestricted cutting, reports Birmingham Live.

Home insurance specialist and manager director of Tiger, Ian Wilson, said: "Many people choose to leave it to the spring or summer to maintain any hedges or trees on their property, but it is important that householders are aware that by doing so they could potentially fall foul of the law.

"So gardeners may want to consider putting away their trimmers until the nesting season has passed."

Ian also highlighted how a requirement for home insurance is your property and its grounds "need to be maintained". If this isn't the case, and an incident occurs through lack of care, you may find yourself unprotected.

The period from September to February is the established hedge-cutting season.

This timing allows you to comply with wildlife protection laws by avoiding the disturbance of nesting birds, which are typically present from March to August.

September is an ideal time for a substantial trim to shape your hedges for winter and to ensure they stay healthy and strong.

By waiting until after nesting season, you protect birds and comply with the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

Cutting hedges in the dormant winter period or as growth slows in September allows ample time for regrowth before spring.

For formal hedges, a September trim, following a spring or early summer cut, is often recommended to maintain their desired shape and density.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds clarifies: "The moment it becomes active, it is illegal to destroy it. The consequences for the above, even in the event of harm to a single bird, nest or egg, are an unlimited fine, up to six months in jail or both. Suffice to say, it is certainly not a risk worth taking."