The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 states "It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly take, damage, destroy or interfere with a nest of any wild bird whilst it is in use or being built."

With this is mind we try to avoid running these courses during the main nesting season; between March and August. An environmental risk assessment is completed prior to the course ensuring nests are not disturbed.

Course Description

This Level 2 Certificate of Competence in the Safe Use of Handheld Hedge Cutters is a one day training and assessment programme covering pre-use checks and maintenance, identification of controls and instruments, and operating the machine.

The training is aimed at individuals who operate handheld hedge cutters as part of their work, either in agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, arboriculture or forestry.

To achieve this qualification candidates must successfully achieve a practical assessment with oral questioning by an NPTC City & Guilds approved assessor.