France imposes up to €150,000 fine for illegal laurel hedge trimming

French environmental law prohibits trimming laurel hedges between 15 March and 31 July to protect nesting birds. Violations are classified as a criminal offence, punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of €150,000. The regulation, codified in the Code de l’environnement, aims to safeguard the habitats of protected species such as blackbirds, great tits and robins, whose nests are often hidden in dense laurel foliage.

Enforcement is carried out by inspectors from the Office Français de la Biodiversité, who may act on reports from neighbours or other observers. The law applies to private individuals as well as professionals; any damage to bird nests or destruction of the habitat during the protected period can trigger the severe penalties.