Barn owls (Tyto alba) are a Schedule-1 species, afforded additional protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and will often roost or nest in a building, structure (such as an open-fronted barn) or tree. Where works are taking place on or in proximity to such structures or trees, a Barn Owl Survey should be conducted to ensure compliance with legislation and planning regulations.
Methodology
Suitable buildings and/or trees on-site and within the vicinity of the site will be surveyed for the presence of barn owl. Evidence of roosting barn owl will be searched for in the form of pellets, feathers, droppings and actual sightings. Evidence of nesting can include nest debris, pellets, droppings, feathers, remains of chicks, eggs and actual sightings. Surveys will comprise a “bottom-up” approach, with the least suitable nest/roost locations searched first and the most suitable searched last (to reduce potential disturbance). Ladders may be used to access and inspect all possible features. The survey will be aborted if any sign of active nesting or courting barn owl is identified. The survey may involve use of ladders; as such two surveyors will be present for health and safety reasons. The survey will be conducted by an appropriately licensed ecologist with an assistant for health and safety when working at height.
Barn owl surveys can be undertaken at any time of year. However best practice states that surveying between February and May inclusive should be avoided, as barn owls are most sensitive to disturbance during courtship, prior to egg-laying.
Following the Survey
Report
We will provide a report detailing the results of our survey and any required mitigation as soon as possible following the survey, however; should you have a specific date for submission of a planning application we will do our utmost to accommodate this.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation measures will be dependent on the nature of any planned works, the species of birds present and how they are using the site. Our Land Management team are experienced in implementing a variety of mitigation measures, such as habitat creation and bird box installation.