Ecology surveys
Birds
Our team at Pioneer Environment includes expert ornithologists who are dedicated to helping you do the right thing and protect the birds that are living and breeding on your construction or development site. If you have a development project that may involve the disturbance of birds, nesting birds, or any protected species, get in touch with us to find out what steps you need to take.
Bird surveys
Why do you need a bird survey?
An initial survey will usually include a desk-based and/or walkover survey of a site to establish the presence of habitats that are potentially suitable for breeding and wintering birds. The data collected is used to determine the likelihood of birds being impacted by the proposed development based on known local bird records and professional judgement.
A two-phase approach can be used, and initial surveys can be followed up, if necessary, with protected species-specific studies.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) gives blanket protection to all wild and nesting birds, making it an offence to:
- Kill, injure or take any wild bird species
- Take, damage or destroy a wild bird nest or eggs
Some birds, known as ‘schedule 1 birds’, e.g. barn owls, have extra legal protection. For these species it is also an offence to disturb:
- Nesting birds
- Those building a nest
- Birds in or near a nest that contains their young
- Their dependent young
You could get an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison for each offence if you are found guilty. If unsure, always check whether you need a bird survey.
To find out more, get in touch.
Pioneer ecology
When to carry out a survey?
There are three main types of bird surveys.
Breeding bird surveys
These surveys are carried out at the same time that birds are making nests, laying eggs and rearing young – typically March -July in the UK. To carry out a breeding bird survey, we will visit your site at least four individual times, each starting at dawn, to spot and record bird species and their numbers.
Winter bird surveys
In England all wintering birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. A winter bird survey can involve up to four separate surveys. These are carried out monthly from November – February. One of our highly experienced ecologists will visit your site at least three times, mapping the bird species present and their behavior to assess their significance and estimate their numbers.
Wetland bird surveys
Wetland bird surveys record waders, wildfowl and gulls found around rivers, mudflats, sand bars, estuaries, coasts and big bodies of inland water. These surveys are usually carried out from October to March, at least one per month.
Please have a look at our survey season calendar for more information.
What will Pioneer Environment supply?
A Pioneer Environment bird report will present all relevant survey results and include a summary report of the legal implications of their presence or absence. If required, mitigation or work plan recommendations will be included.
Contact Pioneer Environment and talk through your project with one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members. There are no licensing purposes to permit development or construction, but there are ways you can continue development or construction when birds are present. We will advise you on the best course of action and can help you with any breeding bird surveys and other legal requirements.
Other bird protection services
In most cases, you should be able to avoid harming wild birds by:
- Timing your work to avoid the breeding season
- using a range of methods that deters birds without causing harm.
In exceptional cases the law allows certain exemptions to permit legal activities (such as a development with planning permission) and where avoiding harm is not possible.
You may also be able to get a licence from Natural England for certain activities if you need to remove wild birds because they are causing problems.
You will be breaking the law if you:
- Intentionally kill, injure or take wild birds
- Intentionally take, damage or destroy a wild bird’s nest while it’s being used or built
- Intentionally take or destroy a wild bird’s egg
- Possess, control or transport live or dead wild birds, or parts of them, or their eggs
- Sell wild birds or put them on display for sale
- Use prohibited methods to kill or take wild birds
Activities that can harm wild birds, particularly during the breeding season include:
- Trimming or cutting trees, bushes, hedges and rough vegetation
- Renovating, converting or demolishing a building
- Creating disturbance, in the form of noise, light and/or vibration
- Taking actions such as shooting birds or removing nests
About Birds
Background information
In Britain we have more than 250 species of birds; there are resident birds which breed and overwinter in the country and migrants who visit at different times throughout the year, some in summer and others in winter. In addition, we also see migrant species that stop off here briefly on their way elsewhere.
Many of Britain’s birds are suffering a decline. There are over 60 species on the Birds of Conservation Concern Red List. Populations of red list species are declining and as such, they have all been given a high conservation priority.
Contact
GET IN TOUCH
Get in touch to find out how Pioneer Environment can help you with any bird concerns and planning.