Nesting Bird Surveys

Background

All birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) whilst breeding. This legislation protects active 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.

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. If an active nest is present, works in the vicinity of the nest would be restricted until all young have fledged.

Methodology

As works needing a nesting bird check will be undertaken within the nesting bird period (March to August, inclusive), a pre-clearance check will be conducted by an appropriately experienced Ecologist within the preceding 24 hours to observe the area and identify any active bird nests present. No works will be carried out within a suitable buffer (to be determined by the Ecologist) of an identified nest until the young have fledged and are no longer returning to the nest site.

Time on-site per day and number of days required to undertake the nesting bird survey depends on the area requiring survey, presence of active nests and duration of works.

Following the Survey

Report

We will provide key findings via email following each day on site, and if required a letter report detailing the results of our survey and any required mitigation as soon as possible following the period of survey.

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.