Breeding & Wintering Bird Surveys

All breeding birds are legally protected. If any habitat that is suitable for a bird to breed in (including ground nesting species) is to be disturbed during the breeding bird season, a breeding bird survey is required, prior to any works.

Female Kingfisher

We undertake bird surveys to assess the impacts of changes in land-use or for the loss of woodland or scrub habitats. Surveys provide information to base any mitigation works upon so that any impacts can be minimised.

For larger developments that result in the loss of hedgerows, scrub areas, woodland or farmland (including buildings), there may be adverse impacts on local bird populations.

For example: Barns owls frequently roost in barns and out buildings. A conversion development of a barn will require an inspection of this Schedule 1 species, to determine for presence or absence, which should be submitted when applying for planning application for the conversion. Mitigation measures can be implemented so that the conversion has a minimal impact on available roosting/nesting habitat for this species. Licensed surveys are required to adhere to legal protection, when surveying for barn owls.

Barn owl and bat inspections can be undertaken at the same time.

Photos:
Dipper, Cinclus Cinclus, Peak District UK. © Simon Booth.
Female Kingfisher, Alcedo Atthis, Lancashire UK. © Lyn Eccles-Sargeant.