Winter up to and including the end of February is the right time of year to carry out major maintenance work on hedges and bushes. The resulting pruning material is often not removed immediately, but stored centrally in large piles before being taken away or shredded. Shrub-breeding bird species build their nests in such piles and start breeding. These piles encourage the birds to build their nests in the shelter of the branches. In places where the piles are not a nuisance, they can be offered to the birds as additional shelter and breeding sites.

However, if the woodpiles have to be removed, it is advisable to transport them immediately after pruning so that the birds do not build a nest in the first place.
As a precautionary measure, the nature conservation authority of the city of Salzgitter points out that, in accordance with species protection regulations, no newly established nests, nests found or young birds may be harmed during the removal of these wood piles (often by mechanical shredding). In order to ensure this beyond doubt, the woodpiles must be carefully inspected in advance.

If a newly built nest or birds flying in are discovered during the inspection, the woodpile must remain in place during the breeding season and may only be removed after the end of the breeding season between September and October.

If you have any questions regarding the inspection of woodpiles, you can contact the staff of the nature conservation authority on the following telephone numbers: 05341/839-3437, 05341/839-3421, 05341/839-3695.