Do I need a bird survey?
Bird surveys identify potential impacts, guide the development of mitigation measures to minimise adverse effects and support compliance with legislation and regulations that protect all wild birds not just notable species including:
- Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981
- Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006
- Protected Species Licences
Where the value of a site for birds will be affected by development, we can produce mitigation packages, informed by relevant bird survey data.
Read and download our quick read Nesting and Breeding Bird Surveys Guide
It helps you to understand whether you need a survey, explains the main types of survey – breeding birds and nesting birds (more on this below), then tells you how to get started.
Breeding bird survey:
A breeding bird survey aims to assess the overall abundance and distribution of bird species during the breeding season within a defined area. Records are made of birds seen or heard in that location for a defined period of time and their breeding status. Habitat quality and suitability for breeding birds is assessed along with the rarity and importance of the bird species found. This combined data on species and habitat during the breeding season helps to assess the likely impacts of a development and define any avoidance or mitigation measures required. Core survey period: March-July (some species breed outside of this season).
Nesting bird survey:
Nesting birds are regularly an issue for developments when scrub and other vegetation needs to be cleared when birds are nesting (usually between March to the end of August). A nesting bird survey focuses on recording the presence of nests or nesting bird activity within areas to be impacted by development works. We will survey for nesting birds and identify nesting locations, advising on what works can be done and where disturbance may need to be avoided. Our ecologists are well versed in devising appropriate method statements and guiding contractors on the ground. Core survey period: March-Aug (some species nest outside of this season).
Contact our expert team today to discuss your project requirements.
Other protected species surveys
Bats
Find out more
Badger
Find out more
Dormouse
Find out more
Water vole & otter
Find out more
Birds
Find out more
Reptiles
Find out more
Great crested newt
Find out more
Crayfish
Find out moreThe quality of CSA’s work – their documentation, consultation and collaboration with the design team, statutory authorities and clients – is first class.”
Chris Cunningham, Harrison Sutton Partnership