When is the best time to cut a hedge?

It's that time of year (despite the cold weather and late start to the season) for cutting box, beech, hornbeam and privet hedges. This will give them time to put on a bit of new (soft) growth before the season is out, leaving your hedge looking fresh rather than hard and newly trimmed. Of course, if there is a nesting bird in there then leave well alone until all is clear. Birds nesting in the garden are usually gone by July. Chris