Bird Survey and Mitigation
We undertake breeding, wintering, nocturnal and species-specific bird surveys and provide practical mitigation for planning, infrastructure and habitat-management projects.
All wild birds are protected against killing, injury and taking. Their eggs and nests are also protected, and nests are protected while they are in use or being built.
Certain species listed on Schedule 1 receive additional protection from disturbance while nesting or caring for dependent young.
The type of bird survey required depends on the habitats present, species likely to occur, season, project location and likely effects.
Survey services
Richard Green Ecology can provide:
- Breeding bird surveys
- Territory mapping
- Wintering bird surveys
- Wetland and waterbird surveys
- Vantage-point flight-activity surveys
- Nocturnal bird surveys
- Barn owl surveys
- Raptor surveys
- Species-specific surveys
- Nesting-bird checks before works
- Construction and post-development monitoring
Survey methods and effort are tailored to the project. A small building conversion may require a targeted nesting-bird assessment, while a large development, wind-energy proposal or project near a designated site may require repeat seasonal surveys.
Nesting-bird checks
The commonly cited March-to-August period covers the main nesting season for many species, but birds can nest outside these months.
A nesting-bird check is therefore based on the actual habitat, species and conditions at the time of the works rather than dates alone.
Where an active nest is found, an appropriate exclusion area is established and maintained until the nest is no longer in use. The required distance depends on the species, location, work type and risk of disturbance.
Some surveys that could disturb Schedule 1 birds, including certain barn owl inspections, must be undertaken by an appropriately licensed person.
Mitigation and enhancement
We can advise on:
- Vegetation-clearance timing
- Nest protection
- Schedule 1 species buffers
- Replacement nesting habitat
- Integrated bird boxes and bricks
- External nest boxes
- Landscape design
- Lighting
- Long-term habitat management
Key Benefits of Service
- Wide range of bird-survey methods
- Proportionate survey programmes
- Licensed surveyors where required
- Nesting-bird checks and construction advice
- Schedule 1 species assessment
- Mitigation and nesting-feature design
- Breeding and wintering monitoring