Ornithological Surveys
Why do I need to consider Birds?
Wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended. This protection extends to active nests and any dependant offspring. In addition, some species have additional protection under the Act, these species are listed on Schedule 1 of this legislation. Some species are excluded from the protection and are listed on Schedule 2 of the Act.
This legislation makes it illegal to:
- Intentionally kill, take or injure birds
- Intentionally take, destroy or damage active bird nests
- Intentionally take, damage or destroy bird eggs
- Intentionally disturb bird species listed on Schedule 1 of the Act whilst they are at their nests.
In addition, there are a number of species of birds that are of conservation concern, listed as national priority species or on local Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) which may need consideration as part of a planning application. In particular species of open farmland, coastal species and species listed as qualifying features on Special Protection Areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest may need consideration.
When do I need to consider birds?
Generally, any development which has the potential to impact upon buildings, trees or other structures in which birds could nest within may need to consider the potential presence of nesting birds.
In particular, species such as barn owl are listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act and have additional protection from disturbance. If there is a risk of birds being encountered during the nesting season, generally March to August inclusive, a nesting bird survey may be required in order to confirm the presence or absence of actively nesting birds to ensure legislative compliance.
If development will result in the loss of habitats of potential value to a local bird assemblage, or to birds linked to nearby designated sites, then additional breeding bird survey work or walkover survey work over the autumn and winter months may be required to enable an impact assessment of the development to be made. If a development may cause other site specific impacts then additional work such as vantage point surveys to assess flight lines and site usage may be required.
The following are examples of works that could impact upon birds and should consider their presence:
- developments affecting open farmland, woodland, hedgerow or grassland.
- building demolition
- vegetation removal
- renewable energy developments
Our ecologists have provided advice for a large number of sites with varying levels of impact on bird populations. This has included providing advice on survey work requirements and avoidance strategies and designing mitigation and compensation strategies to ensure that projects proceed with minimal impact on birds.
What does a survey consist of?
Initially a desktop study and walkover survey, incorporating a risk assessment of any trees, buildings or other structures should be carried out to confirm whether there is potential for an important bird assemblage to be present.
If the initial walkover survey finds that there is the potential, then several survey types may be recommended:
- Breeding bird survey
- Walkover surveys
- Species specific surveys
- Nesting bird survey
- Vantage point surveys
- Wetland bird surveys
What can OS Ecology provide?
OS Ecology Ltd. have extensive knowledge and experience of bird surveys, impact assessment, mitigation and compensation schemes. We have in-house ecologists that hold species licences for Schedule 1 species including barn owl, and our ecologists have completed surveys for a range of developments including windfarms, housing developments and commercial developments.
We also have extensive experience of developing shadow Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs) for schemes which have the potential to impacts on nearby Special Protection Areas.