Nesting Bird Surveys

Background

All birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) whilst breeding. This legislation protects nests, eggs and unfledged young from damage, or destruction. Species listed under Schedule 1 of the WCA 1981 (as amended), have additional protection, which makes it an offence to disturb a bird while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.

EMEC Ecology offers a variety of bird survey types, as follows:

Nesting Bird Survey

Nesting bird surveys are conducted within the breeding season (March to September inclusive) to ensure that there are no active bird nests present on site prior to the commencement of works. A negative result would allow site contractors to proceed with works with no unlawful actions; however, if an active nest is present, works in the vicinity of the nest would be restricted until all young have fledged.

Methodology

The survey methodology will depend on the type of bird survey being conducted. To request a more detailed bird survey or barn owl survey information sheet, please email mail@emec-ecology.co.uk, specifying the information sheet required.

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 bird box installation.