PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEYS Breeding Bird Surveys
If you're planning a development project — whether it's a new build, renovation, or even just clearing vegetation — you may need a Breeding Bird Survey to make sure your plans don’t interfere with protected wildlife.
In England, many bird species are legally protected, especially during the breeding season (typically March to August). That means disturbing nesting birds, their eggs, or active nests — even accidentally — could put your project at risk of delays, fines, or planning issues.
That’s where we come in.
Our team of qualified ecologists carries out Breeding Bird Surveys across England to help developers like you stay compliant, protect wildlife, and keep projects on track. We’ll visit your site (usually three times between April and June), identify any nesting activity, and give you clear advice on how to proceed — whether that means small changes to your plans, timing work outside breeding season, or putting simple mitigation in place.
You’ll get a full report for your planning application, including:
A record of any breeding bird activity
Maps and transect data
Expert recommendations to avoid harm or delay
Evidence to satisfy local authorities and wildlife regulations
Whether it’s red-listed species like barn owls or more common birds like robins and blackbirds, we’re here to make sure your development is legally sound and ecologically responsible.
About Barn Owl Surveys
Why Barn Owl Surveys Are Important?
Barn owl populations in the UK have declined significantly in recent years, largely due to the loss of suitable nesting habitats. While several factors contribute to this decline, human activity—particularly land development—is the primary cause.
To protect barn owls, UK legislation has classified them as a protected species. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to intentionally harm, capture, or disturb barn owls or their nests.
If you're planning a development that may affect barn owls or their habitats, it's essential to engage a qualified ecologist to conduct a survey before starting work. This helps identify the presence of barn owls and ensures that any impact is managed appropriately.
BARN OWL SURVEY What Happens During a Barn Owl Survey?
A barn owl survey typically involves two stages: a desk study and a site inspection. A licensed ecological consultant assesses the site for any signs of barn owl activity or suitable nesting habitats. The findings are then used to inform your planning application and guide next steps.
BARN OWL SURVEY` Barn Owl Survey Methodology
During a scoping survey, the ecologist will inspect the entire site, including buildings, trees, and surrounding rough grasslands, which may support the owl’s prey (e.g., field voles, shrews, wood mice). They’ll look for signs like feathers, droppings, pellets, eggs, or nest debris, and note any features suitable for future nesting.
Typical survey tools include binoculars, ladders, torches, cameras, and collection bags for samples.
If the scoping survey identifies potential barn owl activity or suitable habitats, further assessments may be required:
Habitat assessments evaluate the broader area's suitability.
Activity or vantage point surveys monitor owl movements during the breeding season to identify nesting sites and population size.
BARN OWL SURVEY` Barn Owl Survey Report
After completing the survey(s), the ecologist will produce a detailed report outlining:
Evidence of barn owl presence or absence
Recommendations for mitigation, if needed
Suggestions for additional surveys
Advice on how to proceed with planning in line with wildlife protections
These reports support planning applications and help ensure that barn owls and their habitats are preserved.
BARN OWL SURVEY Barn Owl Survey Report
After completing the survey(s), the ecologist will produce a detailed report outlining:
Evidence of barn owl presence or absence
Recommendations for mitigation, if needed
Suggestions for additional surveys
Advice on how to proceed with planning in line with wildlife protections
These reports support planning applications and help ensure that barn owls and their habitats are preserved.
BARN OWL SURVEY Legal and Regulatory Guidelines
Barn owl surveys must comply with several UK laws and regulations, including:
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006
Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Local planning authorities enforce these laws, and surveys must also align with guidance from bodies like Natural England, DEFRA, and conservation charities such as the Barn Owl Trust.
BARN OWL SURVEY` When to Conduct a Barn Owl Survey
Scoping surveys can be conducted year-round, but autumn, winter, or early spring is best, as bare trees make nest sites easier to spot.
Activity or vantage point surveys should be scheduled during the later part of the breeding season—ideally between mid-June and mid-July, within the broader March to August breeding window.
BARN OWL SURVEY Get Started with a Barn Owl Survey
Barn owls can inhabit a variety of rural and semi-rural environments—from old barns to trees on undeveloped land—so don’t assume your project is exempt. Even non-agricultural developments may require a survey if the habitat is suitable.
We understand local planning authority requirements and can provide comprehensive assessments for barn owls and other protected species. If your barn owl survey uncovers signs of other wildlife—such as bats—we can seamlessly coordinate additional surveys to keep your project compliant and on track.
BIRD BREEDING SURVEY FAQs
Why do I need a bird survey for my development project?
A bird survey is required to ensure that your development doesn’t negatively impact local bird populations, especially protected species. Many bird species, including those listed in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, are protected by law. A survey helps assess whether your project will affect their habitats or nesting sites, and ensures compliance with regulations.
When is the best time to carry out a bird survey?
Bird surveys are typically conducted during the breeding season (from April to June), when birds are most active. During this time, it’s easier to identify nesting sites and assess the potential impact of development on breeding birds. In some cases, a pre-construction survey may also be needed if the project spans multiple seasons.
What happens if the survey finds protected bird species?
If the survey identifies protected species or nests, we’ll provide recommendations to mitigate the impact of your development. This could involve:
Timing work to avoid disturbing nesting birds.
Creating alternative nesting sites.
Moving the development site to avoid sensitive areas. In some cases, you may also need to apply for a licence from the local authorities or Natural England to carry out your development without disturbing the birds.
How long does a bird survey take to complete?
A bird survey typically takes around 3 visits to the site (usually in April, May, and June). The visits will be spaced out to track bird activity over time. Each visit can last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the site. A final report will usually be available within a few weeks of the survey’s completion.
What should I do if my development project affects bird species?
If your development is likely to affect breeding birds or their habitats, the ecologist will outline measures to avoid or reduce the impact, such as:
Adjusting the timing of construction work.
Installing bird boxes or creating new habitats.
Implementing buffer zones around nests. In some cases, further surveys or mitigation measures may be required to ensure compliance with wildlife protection laws.
Is a bird survey mandatory for every development project?
Not all projects require a bird survey, but if your development involves changes to land that could affect bird habitats, particularly near woodlands, wetlands, or grasslands, then a survey is usually required. Local authorities will advise whether a survey is necessary as part of your planning application.
How does a bird survey impact my planning application?
Completing a bird survey helps ensure that your planning application meets local authority requirements and wildlife protection laws. It demonstrates that you’ve considered the environmental impact of your project. A survey can often be a condition of planning approval, so completing it early can prevent delays in the approval process.
What’s the difference between a bird survey and a breeding bird survey?
A breeding bird survey is specifically focused on monitoring bird species that are breeding on the site during the spring and summer months. It assesses the presence of nests, the species involved, and any potential impacts from development. A general bird survey, on the other hand, may include a broader assessment of bird activity and species in the area, not just during the breeding season.
Need a breeding bird survey?
Get in touch for a free quote — we’ll talk you through exactly what’s needed and find a survey date that fits your schedule