Bird Surveys
All wild birds, their nests and eggs, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is an offence to harm a wild bird or to damage or destroy an active nest. Certain species listed on Schedule 1 of this act are afforded additional protection from disturbance while nesting.
Many birds are also listed as Species of Principle Importance (SPI) under section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, 2006. This act places a duty on any local or regional authority to further the conservation of these birds.
Protected species and SPI are a material consideration within the planning process and Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) have a duty in exercising their function to consider the impact of a development on these birds prior to the determination of any application.
The diversity in behaviour, feeding and nesting among UK birds means that they cover the full range of habitats across the UK, from the most isolated environments to busy urban settings.
Birds are likely to be encountered in most types of proposed development. Therefore, targeted bird surveys are an important consideration to ensure that your proposal are able to proceed lawfully if suitable habitat for birds is present.
Birds Surveys
Nesting bird surveys
Nesting bird surveys are the most common type of bird survey. They can often be required prior to the commencement of works where suitable nesting habitat for birds could be impacted during the breeding bird season (March-August).
We have experienced Ecological Clerks of Works that can provide advice on-site and conduct pre-works checks for nesting birds.
Breeding bird surveys
Breeding bird surveys are likely to be required where there is habitat present on-site that could support schedule 1 birds and SPI.
This survey aims to record the bird species present within a study area and collect information about their numbers, behaviour and breeding territory.
Winter bird surveys
Winter bird surveys are typically undertaken between November and February.
They may be required for habitats that could support populations of migratory birds species.
The aim of the survey is to establish the species and populations within the study area.
Specialist bird surveys
Bird surveys may be required to target a specific species (examples include: nightjar, dartford warbler, lapwing, black redstart and barn owl surveys).
The time and method vary for each of these species.
What you need to know about birds surveys
Where will you find out if you need a bird survey?
Any suitable habitat recorded for birds that is relevant to the development will be outlined within a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report (PEA), as will any local records of birds and designated sites which may indicate birds could be impacted by the development.
Our approach
Birds are among the best studied groups in the world. We use standardised and nationally recognised survey methodology and technical guidance to collect our bird survey data.
Our approach can be trusted to satisfy the requirement of Local Planning Authorities and Natural England and ensure that your project is able to proceed lawfully with the best outcomes for birds.
The Arun team
We have an in-house team and extended network of staff of ecologists/ornithologists who are highly experienced in designing and undertaking surveys for birds.
Our experience means that even in the most challenging situations, we are able to quickly find bespoke solutions, where safe to do so, to capture bird data efficiently.
Planning your surveys ahead of time
The one thing we can’t guarantee is the Local Planning Authority or regulatory body Natural England accepting survey data carried out at a sub-optimal time of year. It is therefore vital that surveys are timed appropriately in line with the bird surveys season.
What you can expect from Arun Ecology is an honest approach from the offset to find the best solution for your project schedule – no false promises that could result in unexpected delays and costs to your project.
FAQs
Any vegetation clearance during breeding bird season is a high risk activity that could result in an offence being committed. If the removal of trees or vegetation cannot be avoided during the breeding bird season, but the works can avoid killing a bird or destroying an active nest or any eggs present, then this would be legal. It would be advisable to undertake nesting bird checks prior to the commencement of any such works.
Some birds are provided additional protection from disturbance, including when nesting, so further mitigation beyond a nesting bird check prior to works starting may be required to demonstrate appropriate care has been taken to avoid disturbing these birds.
You may need to undertake bird surveys to secure planning permission if your development is reasonably likely to impact birds and their habitat. The extent to which you need to survey for birds, if at all, can vary upon the scale, location and timings of your proposals as well as the species that might be present.
At Arun Ecology we would not recommend the use of nets to prevent birds nesting in a habitat. Using nets is impractical, as it requires regular monitoring, is not guaranteed to be successful, risks the entanglement of birds and has a poor public image for your development project.
It is not uncommon for active bird nests to be found (in trees, vegetation and structures) during works that are carried out during the breeding bird season. If an active bird nest is found or if you are unsure if a nest is active it is best to stop works in the area.
At Arun Ecology we normally assess a habitat for nesting birds within 48 hours prior to the start of works.
At Arun Ecology we will provide you with a questionnaire prior to any survey on the information we require to complete the survey, predominantly focusing on land access and health and safety. As an insight we require the following information:
- Land parcel access
- Any land tenants present informed of the survey
- Any other hazards that might be present at the site that could lead to a survey being aborted on arrival (such as livestock or plant activity)
Helping to address the ecological
and climate crisis
At Arun Ecology it’s not all just about driving business. We want to contribute to addressing the challenges of our time to ensure a prosperous future for the next generation.
So, as part of our service, each time you commission us we are committed to planting one tree within the UK, through our partnership with Creating Tomorrow’s Forests.
Watch this space to find out more about how we are contributing to nature recovery and tackling climate change.
Contact us
Contact us today or request a call back at a more convenient time to discuss your project.
Whether you wish to request a quote or ask us a question, our friendly and experienced team will always be happy to advise and will endeavour to respond as quickly as possible.