So-called "butchery" of hedges at Wootton Recreation Ground is nothing more than annual maintenance, according to the Isle of Wight Council.
The local authority has come under fire for "destroying" nesting habitats at the park.
Residents claim nests have "disappeared" and the work, carried out on behalf of the council, is "illegal".
The illegal Butchery of Wootton Park continues, " Nests I knew of have 'mysteriously' disappeared. RSPB tell me it's illegal to disturb Nesting Birds, I am being ignored by the Authorities, IOW Council in partnership with John O'Connor should be ashamed of their behaviour pic.twitter.com/Cw2HLNdsV0
— Simon (@SimonAngelanMin) March 15, 2021
Although the council says the hedge trimming can sometimes look "messy", it says it is needed "to benefit wildlife".
A spokesperson told Isle of Wight Radio that no wildlife had been disturbed. They said:
"Our contractors carry out visual checks for nesting birds and do not cut hedges where they are present.
“Some of the annual grounds maintenance hedging works on the recreation ground are specified to be completed by machinery, which can sometimes look messy. However, the hedgerow has been trimmed similarly in the past and will grow back fully. Regular management of the hedge is needed for the benefit of wildlife."
The council says it will review feedback on its hedgerow cutting and will look to incorporate it into its annual programme for next year.