Bird Surveys
Birds & the Law
Birds in the UK are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is an offence to intentionally kill, injure, take, or disturb wild birds, or to damage or destroy their active nests or eggs. Certain species also have additional protection during nesting or migration.
Early ecological assessment helps identify potential nesting or roosting sites and reduces the risk of legal or planning issues arising during development. Surveys provide the evidence needed to meet planning requirements and ensure compliance with UK wildlife legislation.
Due to our office being located on the south coast, many of the sites we have worked on have been associated with Nationally and Internationally designated sites that are designated for their bird populations as either Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), and Special Protection Areas (SPAs).
When is a Bird Survey Required?
Bird surveys are typically required where proposed works could affect habitats used by breeding, roosting, or migratory birds. Common triggers include:
Demolition or alteration of buildings, barns, or loft spaces
Vegetation clearance, tree works, or hedgerow removal
Works near water bodies, wetlands, grassland, or scrub
Changes to lighting that may disturb roosting or foraging areas
Even if no birds have been previously recorded, the presence of suitable habitat alone may trigger survey requirements. Completing surveys early ensures they are carried out in the appropriate season and provides evidence to support planning applications and any required mitigation.
A typical bird survey may involve:
Site inspection to identify habitats used by birds, such as trees, hedgerows, wetlands, grassland, and buildings
Recording bird activity including nesting, roosting, foraging, and flight paths
Identification of protected or notable species and assessment of potential impacts from the proposed works
Recommendations for mitigation or timing restrictions, where required, to ensure compliance with UK wildlife legislation and planning requirements
Surveys can be carried out as part of a Phase I ecological assessment or as a separate standalone survey, depending on your project and site requirements. Our team ensures that survey scope is proportionate to the site and development risk, providing practical guidance for planning submissions.
What a Bird Survey Includes
Breeding bird survey
Breeding Bird Surveys are used to identify breeding bird species present on a site, assess their distribution, and determine which habitats or features are important for nesting. In the UK, many breeding bird species are of conservation concern, including species listed on the Birds of Conservation Concern (BOCC) Red List and species of principal importance under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.
Breeding Bird Surveys are typically required for larger sites or sites containing habitats suitable for nesting birds, such as woodland, grassland, wetlands, or scrub. Surveys involve multiple early-morning visits during the spring breeding season to record territorial behaviour, nesting activity, and habitat use, allowing potential impacts to be assessed and appropriate mitigation measures to be developed.
Wintering bird survey
Wintering Bird Surveys are undertaken to identify the presence, abundance, and distribution of birds using a site during the winter period, typically between November and February. These surveys are often required where development sites are located within or close to Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or functionally linked land used by migratory and overwintering bird species.
Surveys involve repeated site visits across the winter season to record bird numbers, behaviour, and habitat use. The results help assess potential impacts on SPA-qualifying species and inform appropriate avoidance or mitigation measures in support of planning applications.
Our Experience with Birds
Whether in coastal or inland sites which may hold important bird populations that may be impacted by a proposal, we can provide a team to deliver reliable survey information carried out to the highest standards. We have a number of experienced bird surveyors who have gained considerable expertise in surveying for bird species and implementing a scheme of mitigation if required.
FAQ’s
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Bird surveys are usually required when proposed works could affect habitats used by nesting, roosting, or migratory birds. Even if no birds have been previously recorded, the presence of suitable habitat can trigger survey requirements as part of planning submissions.
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Breeding Bird Surveys are typically undertaken between March and July, when birds are actively nesting and breeding behaviour can be reliably recorded. Wintering Bird Surveys are carried out between November and February to assess the use of a site by overwintering and migratory bird species.
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If birds or active nests are identified, mitigation may be required, such as timing restrictions, habitat protection, or avoidance measures. Our reports provide clear guidance on practical mitigation and planning submission requirements.
Have more questions?