Nature lovers from the ‘greenest estate in Haringey’ are pleading with the council to stop pruning trees in the birds’ nesting season.

Blue tits, jays and thrushes are all building their nests at the in the highest branches of the Ferry Lane Estate, away from danger.

But their efforts are being thwarted and their future young endangered by Haringey’s tree maintenance programme, which began this week.

Nature officer of Ferry Lane Action Group (FLAG) and long-time resident Jeanette Sitton said if only the council did the work earlier in the year the birds would be saved.

Ms Sitton said: “It makes me so cross, they do this every year and we find nests on the ground.

“The birds are busy building their nests now – especially after the deep freeze we’ve just had – but the higher branches are being chopped down leaving them nowhere to do it.

“This is the greenest estate in the borough. We have wild flower meadows, bird boxes that encourage loads of birds, we even have bats here.

“It just feels like all the great things we do to encourage nature are being undone by the council.”

The RSPB advises that trees are cut between September and February, to protect the birds.

But - despite repeated requests - FLAG can’t get the council to change their minds.

A Haringey council spokeswoman said: “Haringey Council respect the advice from the RSPB and we always follow best practice with regards to tree maintenance.

“Our contractors are aware of their responsibilities under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which protects nesting birds. Trees must be inspected for wildlife prior to commencing any works and if they find active nests, they must prune around them if safe to do so, or leave the trees until later in year.

“Unfortunately, it is not practical to concentrate all of our tree work into the period outside of the bird-nesting season, but our tree surgeons and gardeners are always vigilant whilst working.”