Pruning a rambler and a common hawthorn.
West Sussex,
United Kingdom 
Would it hurt to prune a large hawthorn and a massively overgrown rambler rose now? I'm mindful of the birds, which use both to nest in spring and of the gorgeous rose blooms, which are admired by passers by, but they have got so out of hand that they have to be pruned somehow. The rose covers part of an old shed and also a wooden pergola which is beginning to sag under the weight! I really don't want to get rid of it altogether and I know the blackbirds in particular rely on it each year to shelter their fledglings as there is no other really thick thorny shelter around here. I just can't work out when would be the best time to tackle the two if not now!
5 Jan, 2024
Answers
Have recently pruned my climbing roses too. After pruning perhaps it might be a good idea to treat the trellis and woodwork with preservative before re-tying in the branches.
6 Jan, 2024
Oh good! That's a relief! Thank you both.
6 Jan, 2024
OH is pruning our rambling rose this weekend. I usually do it late November, but didn't get the chance. Ours seems to favour being neglected or severely pruned. Lucky perhaps.
Hoping you have lots of lovely blooms this year.
Best wishes.
7 Jan, 2024
Now is the perfect time - so long as you wrap up warm!
22 Jan, 2024
yes you can do both now. I have just done my rose and plan to do the hawthorn before the birds start to nest. Hopefully in the next week or so.
5 Jan, 2024