There are lots of fledgling birds in my garden at the moment, and I love watching them and encourage birds as much as possible.

We have a couple of nesting boxes – I keep meaning to put up more – but most of the birds nest in the ivy on the walls or in the hedging.

Last year, every time I stepped out of the back door, a robin that had its nest inches from the door jamb, flew out in front of

us – it took a bit of

getting used to!

Generally they’re further away in the hedging, where they can raise their brood in peace.

Hedges are very important to wildlife in the garden, providing shelter and food for a range of species, as well as nesting sites for birds.

Generally, the dense twiggy species like hawthorn or beech are best, but any hedge is better than none.