Why do I need a wintering bird survey?
Wintering bird surveys are often necessary for sites adjacent to the coast, estuaries, or nearby areas that are protected for birds, such as Ramsar Sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest or Special Protected Areas, to name a few. Many birds only visit Britain in the autumn and winter and are often given protection beyond the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) that protects all other native birds, such as Schedule 1 Species, or Red or Amber List designations. Furthermore, wintering birds are often particularly susceptible to habitat loss due to the scarcity of resources available over the winter and the large distances these birds travel to reach wintering sites.
The information collected during wintering bird surveys is often essential for planning applications and is frequently used to inform Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and to help design mitigation plans.
What does it involve?
Wintering bird surveys are typically carried out between November and February. Survey methodologies that are used often depend on the site but may include the Wetland Bird Survey method or variations of the Breeding Bird Survey methodology.
Are we the right surveyors for you?
Our team contains passionate ornithologists who have decades of experience in surveying for birds in a range habitats and sectors, including conservation work. We are also experienced at working with developers and local planning authorities in order to achieve a positive outcome for your project.