SIR — It is now peak time for nesting birds and I am an avid RSPB member.

Every year people seem to think because it is spring they have to hack hedges to death. Mainly over zealous gardeners are to blame.

But over the past couple of years I have had to contact the police wildlife crime officer because of the severe nature of some people's selfish behaviour. I have even seen one local gardening company destroy a nest with eggs in.

If we still want to hear bird song and the dawn chorus we must give all the birds the chance to have their offspring in safe environments.

It is an offence to cut back hedge rows even in your garden from March until the end of August and people really need to be made aware of this see RSPB (Law) "Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981".

It is the duty of the local council to advise the public on this matter but in the main they turn a blind eye to it.

Mrs Sara Summers,

Bay View,