If you’re gearing up for a development project, then you may need a bird breeding survey in order to obtain planning permission. Birds, along with their eggs and nests, have legal protection within the UK, and there can be severe penalties for negatively impacting their habitat, whether intentionally or accidentally.
As such, it’s important to work with an experienced bird breeding surveyor who will help to identify bird breeding zones and ensure that you have the information you need to stay compliant with the law. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at bird breeding surveys, including when they’re needed, why they’re important, and how the process works.
When is a Bird Breeding Survey Needed?
A bird breeding survey is needed if breeding bird habitats have been identified during the initial bird survey. The survey is done pre-planning, and often comprises of multiple visits to identify territories.
When undertaking a bird breeding survey, an expert will visit the location and evaluate its importance for breeding or whether the area may be more broadly beneficial for birds.
Why are bird breeding surveys Important?
This particular survey is important as they can identify important areas used by nesting birds and seek to retain them post-development, along with informing mitigation strategies.
There’s a good reason why development projects need to account for the potential impact on birds. Some species have experienced a 50% population decline in the past 25 years, so it’s crucial that developers and others invest in a thorough bird breeding survey to ensure that their project does not contribute to additional decline.
Aside from a moral obligation, there’s also a legal obligation to conduct a bird breeding survey. All wild birds have protection status within the UK. Anyone who doesn’t take the protection status into account could be liable to pay a fine of up to £5,000 or face 6 months in prison.
When to Carry Out a Bird Breeding Survey
You’ll need to carry out a bird breeding survey if the initial bird survey has shown that the area has suitable breeding habitats. A bird breeding survey is typically conducted between April – June.
What Happens During a Bird Breeding Survey?
You shouldn’t undertake a bird breeding survey on your own. The work should be carried out by a trained professional who has an in-depth undertaking of local bird species and their breeding habits.
The professional will visit the site multiple times during the breeding season, carefully recording the presence of birds and nests using a variety of methods, including visual and acoustic evidence. They will typically visit early in the morning when birds are most active. Any sightings will then be recorded on a map, which will show the species of the birds and where they’re breeding.
If it has been determined that the area is of special importance to birds, an ecologist can be consulted to determine how to continue the project without disturbing the breeding birds, which can then be submitted for planning permission.
Benefits of Conducting a Bird Breeding Survey
If you’ve got a project in mind, then it’s unlikely that you’ll be too thrilled about having to delay work because you need to carry out a bird breeding survey. However, there are benefits to doing so, including:
Reducing Developmental Problems
It’s best to know about breeding birds as soon as possible. You can usually do something about the issue, and it’s much easier to find solutions before you’re in the middle of the project.
Protecting the Environment
We all have a duty to look after bird species in the UK. By working with a bird breeding expert, you’ll be doing your bit to preserve the country’s extraordinary wildlife.
How Greenlight Consultancy Can Help You
If you need to conduct a bird breeding survey, then be sure to get in touch with us here at Greenlight Consultancy. Our experienced and expert team of professionals have the tools and training to ensure that your bird breeding survey is carried out to the highest of standards.
We also offer other services, including initial bird surveys and protected species surveys, to companies and individuals undertaking a commercial or domestic project. Get in touch with the Greenlight today.
