Wintering birds are those that visit the UK during Autumn and Winter only. Their habitats are relied on to provide safety from extreme weather conditions, and food throughout the harsher seasons.
Wintering bird species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which means surveys may be required prior to planning and license applications. This is due to the fact that many development plans involve removing vegetation or structures used for nesting or potential food sources.
This species protection act makes it illegal to:
- Put any of these species at risk intentionally.
- Intentionally take, damage, or destroy the nest of any wild bird whilst it is in use or being built.
- Intentionally take or destroy any wild bird’s eggs.
Hence why a wintering bird survey is necessary to determine if the intended site inhabits populations of winter birds.
What are wintering bird surveys?
Following habitats being identified by the preliminary ecological appraisal, a wintering bird survey may be needed. Its purpose is to assess the presence of any winter bird species and determine food source locations for them.
What is a preliminary ecological appraisal?
A bird preliminary ecological appraisal (also known as PEA) takes place prior to any proposed development starts. It is an initial site assessment that is used to establish any habitats of protected species and involves both a site visit and a desktop assessment.
When do I need a wintering bird survey?
These surveys typically include four visits to the site, ideally conducted through the months of November to February. These surveys are intended to target specific wintering species that might not be present through the breeding season (usually between March and August).
Mitigation & Enhancements
Mitigations and enhancements are measures that aim to maintain sufficient habitats for the wintering birds in the long-term. They come in multiple forms to address specific issues at the particular site. Some examples of common mitigation measures include:
- Scheduling works outside of nesting season
- Low lighting schemes
- Creation of rough grassland and ponds
- Hedgerow planting
- Installing integrated and standalone bird boxes
If you think you need a wintering bird survey, get in touch with our expert team today for more help.
