Well that got your attention. ? TBH this is a question just about the birds. We have quite a few hedges and a few trees in a property due to be cleared as a site in March. I was thinking of removing as much vegetation on the surface to deter birds from nesting. I don't want the digger ripping through nests. Any tips?

RSPB advice seems to suggest clearing it in February..

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/gardening-for-wildlife/plants-for-wildlife/garden-hedges/hedge-law/

Remove them before the nesting season. 

 

March is when they begin so have them out beforehand if you can. 

From a legal point you need to remove them between September and beginning of March. 

Or you need to net them to prevent birds nesting 

if you have planning granted, then get it all out now. 

Sort your cil exception out first. 

Depending on what they are, they might still be a winter food source for wildlife.  If you're not in a hurry, I'd wait until any hawthorn berries etc have gone, then get the digger in.