Bird Surveys
Comprehensive surveys for breeding, nesting and wintering birds to ensure legal compliance and smooth project delivery.
What This Service Involves
All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected under UK law, and certain species receive additional protection from disturbance. If your project involves vegetation clearance, building demolition, or other works that could affect bird habitat, bird surveys ensure legal compliance and smooth progress through planning.
Our qualified ecologists provide a full range of bird survey services tailored to your site and development stage, including:
Our Bird Survey Services
Desk Study and Habitat Review
Identifying local records, habitat suitability and designated sites for breeding, wintering or migratory birds.
Walkover Surveys
Assessing potential nesting features such as trees, hedgerows, scrub, grassland, wetlands and buildings.
Breeding Bird Surveys (March-July)
Recording species, abundance and nesting activity to assess how birds use the site and the likely impact of your proposals.
Nesting Bird Checks Prior to Works
Pre-clearance inspections immediately before vegetation removal or demolition to ensure no active nests are present.
Wintering and Migratory Bird Surveys (October-February)
Identifying important overwintering or passage species where relevant.
Reporting and Advice
Clear, practical reports outlining findings, potential impacts, and recommendations for timing and mitigation.
Why You Might Need a Bird or Nesting Bird Survey
- Planning requirement: Most local planning authorities request ecological evidence if habitats used by birds could be affected.
- Tree/vegetation clearance or demolition: Work during the nesting season (typically March-August) risks disturbing active nests, which is an offence.
- Sensitive habitats on site: Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, grassland, wetlands and even derelict buildings can all support nesting birds.
- Known protected species: Sites supporting Schedule 1 species (e.g. barn owl, kingfisher, peregrine falcon) require specific survey and mitigation.
- Proactive risk management: Early survey work avoids delays caused by nesting birds discovered mid-construction.
What Our Bird Survey Service Includes
- Site visit by an experienced ornithologist or ecologist.
- Assessment of habitat features, bird activity and nesting potential.
- Identification and mapping of bird species and nest locations (where found).
- Clear guidance on timing of works to avoid the nesting season or steps to ensure compliance if works must proceed.
- Comprehensive report suitable for planning applications or condition discharge.
- Practical advice on habitat retention, enhancement and mitigation (e.g. nest boxes, timing of vegetation clearance or creation of compensatory habitat).
Legislation, Policy & Good Practice
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
Protects all wild birds, their nests and eggs.
Schedule 1 Species
Receive additional protection from disturbance while nesting.
Best Practice Guidance
Follows standard methods such as the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and CIEEM guidelines for bird survey timing and effort.
The Benefits to You
Legal Compliance
Ensures legal compliance with bird-protection laws and planning conditions.
Avoid Delays
Avoids costly project delays by identifying nesting birds or sensitive species early.
Stronger Applications
Strengthens your planning application with robust ecological evidence.
Responsible Management
Demonstrates responsible environmental management and commitment to biodiversity.
Practical Advice
Provides practical, proportionate advice - helping you proceed with confidence.