If your ecologist, local authority, planning consultant or Preliminary Ecological Appraisal report has identified the need for a nesting bird survey, breeding bird survey, wintering bird survey or other specific bird survey, Green Shoots Ecology can help you complete the next stage.
We carry out bird surveys for planning applications, site clearance works and monitoring projects. Our surveys and reports are designed to provide all the information needed and to help your project move forward without unnecessary delay.
All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. It is an offence to kill, injure or take wild birds, to damage or destroy an active nest, or to take or destroy eggs. Additional protection applies to Schedule 1 species, such as barn owls, red kites and kingfishers, where disturbance around the nest can also be an offence.
Green Shoots Ecology can provide:
- nesting bird surveys
- breeding bird surveys
- wintering bird surveys
- barn owl surveys
- raptor surveys
- black redstart surveys
- skylark and farmland bird surveys
- advice on mitigation, timing and site clearance
Bird surveys may be required where a site contains buildings, trees, scrub, hedgerows, grassland, open mosaic habitat, arable land, waterbodies or other habitats that could support significant bird communities or where nesting may be occurring. Or it may be necessary to determine if certain notable bird species are present.
Bird surveys are seasonal and may need to be completed at specific times of year. Nesting bird checks are required when sites are cleared and are usually most relevant during the main breeding season, while breeding bird, wintering bird, raptor, barn owl, black redstart and skylark surveys may each have their own timing requirements.
Where active nests are present, works such as vegetation clearance, demolition, tree works or ground clearance may need to be delayed or carefully managed. In many cases, the solution is straightforward, such as carrying out clearance outside the nesting bird season or having a suitable pre-works check by an ecologist.
Because bird surveys can be seasonal, it is best to arrange them as early as possible. Missing the correct survey window can delay a planning application or the start of works.
Following the survey, Green Shoots Ecology provides a clear report suitable for submission with your planning application. Where bird constraints are identified, we can advise on practical next steps, including avoidance measures, timing restrictions, mitigation and enhancement.
Please contact Green Shoots Ecology if you have been asked to provide a bird survey. We will be happy to review your site details and provide a clear quote.