As branchage inspections begin this week, an animal protection group is asking islanders to be mindful of wildlife that make our hedges their homes.
The first inspections of 2026 begin on Friday (26 June) in St John and Trinity.
Over the next fortnight, every parish has its own deadline for landowners to cut back hedgerows that are encroaching into the road.
The biannual cutback of roadside flora is one of the most dangerous periods for our wildlife.
The Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Group says birds, reptiles and small mammals are all rearing their young at this time of year.
Hedgehog mothers are nursing their hoglets and, if she is killed or injured, or the nest is disturbed, the babies are unlikely to survive.
The group says this adds to the drastically declining population of our hedgehogs.
Guidance exists for how to chop the hedges in a considerate way.
Do not
DO NOT EVER cut banques down to bare earth, there is no requirement in law to do so. If using a flailer, alter the blade accordingly.
Instead, leave some vegetation around the base of trees and hedgerows and check carefully for nests - hedgehogs on the ground and birds nests in trees and hedgerows before beginning work.
Use your boot, a gloved hand, a rake or a stick to gently move any creatures out of harm's way.
Do
• During the June/July branchage, cut only the sides of the banque to a minimum height of 10 cm.
• Leave the vegetation uncut on the top of the banque, as long as it does not overhang the road.
• On the second branchage in September, cut the sides and top of the banque to a minimum height of 10 cm.
• Leave tussocks of vegetation for wildlife where possible.
• Remove all cuttings; do not allow them to cover the banque or fall into the road.
Visite du Branchage inspection dates
- Friday, 26 June: St John, Trinity
- Wednesday, 1 July: St Lawrence
- Thursday, 2 July: St Mary
- Friday, 3 July: Grouville
- Wednesday, 8 July: St Saviour
- Thursday, 9 July: St Clement, St Martin, St Ouen, St Peter
- Friday, 10 July: St Brelade, St Helier
There is a second set of inspections in early September.
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