What type of bird survey do I need?
Your local planning authority is likely to ask you for a bird survey as part of a planning application if there are habitats suitable for protected, or large numbers of, birds on your site.
The type of bird survey you’ll need depends on your project. For example, an off-shore wind farm will need a different, and far more extensive, survey than if you are just felling a couple of trees.
Our ecologists are experienced at conducting a wide range of bird surveys. These include:
- Breeding bird surveys
- Wintering bird surveys
- Barn Owl and Species specific surveys for Schedule 1 (Wildlife and Countryside Act) species
- Vantage point surveys
- Nocturnal bird surveys
- Migratory bird surveys
The optimal months for breeding bird surveys are April to mid-July, while wintering bird surveys are November to February, and migratory bird surveys are mid-March to mid-May and September to mid-November.
What happens next?
If protected, or large numbers of, birds are recorded on your site we can provide further information on the mitigation and compensation measures needed to secure planning permission. Typical mitigation and compensation measures include:
- Working around sensitive areas / important habitats
- Timing works for outside of the breeding bird season
- Removing suitable habitats outside of the breeding bird season
- Undertaking a nest check if vegetation or buildings are being removed during the breeding bird season
- Provided artificial nesting sites, such as bird boxes and ledges
- Planting new habitats
Are we the right bird surveyors for you?
At UES, our ecologists are experienced in surveying and mitigating for birds to ensure a positive outcome for your planning application.
Our surveyors are also members of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), who promote the highest standards of practice through a professional code of conduct and continuing professional development.
For additional details on the types of bird surveys we offer, please follow the below links:
- Breeding bird surveys
- Wintering bird surveys
- Barn Owl and Schedule 1 species surveys
- Vantage point surveys
- Nocturnal bird surveys
For more information on the legal protection of birds, please click the below link: