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Bird Surveys in Sussex

Bird Surveys in Sussex

Do I need a bird survey for my development in Sussex?

If your planning application could affect birds or their habitats, a professional survey is essential — we provide fully compliant reports to secure your consent.

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Fast, Clear, Planning-Ready Support

Fast response 

Calls answered in 2 rings, emails replied to within the hour.

Free expert advice

Clear guidance before you commit.

Cost-effective

Working in partnership with clients to ensure planning approval first time

Typical 10-day turnaround

Industry Leading Standard

Expert Team

We stay with you from first call through to submission. 

Do you need a Bird Survey in Sussex?

Sussex supports a rich mix of coastal, rural and wooded habitats, including chalk downland, ancient woodland, river valleys, grazing marsh and traditional flint and timber buildings. These environments provide important nesting opportunities for farmland, woodland and coastal bird species.

Bird surveys assess whether birds are breeding or regularly using a site that may be affected by development. Ecologists record visual and auditory evidence across appropriate seasons to identify risks and inform mitigation. In Sussex, survey results are often required to demonstrate compliance with wildlife legislation, particularly where development could disturb nesting birds.

Local authorities may request bird surveys for works such as:

  • vegetation clearance during the breeding season across East and West Sussex

  • redevelopment of rural barns and farmsteads within the South Downs

  • renovation of older coastal properties and harbourside buildings

  • scrub and grassland removal on former agricultural or brownfield land

  • development near hedgerows, streams or woodland edges

A simple postcode check can confirm the likely survey requirements for your local authority or relevant planning body.

We provide bird surveys across Sussex, including Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Horsham, Chichester and surrounding rural areas.

 

 
 
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Why Planning Officers in Sussex Request Bird Surveys

Sussex planning authorities require bird survey evidence where suitable nesting habitat is present to ensure development complies with the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and national planning policy. Without early, proportionate survey work, applications are frequently delayed through validation queries, additional conditions, or seasonal restrictions linked to the breeding bird period, all of which can disrupt project programmes and lead to avoidable redesign.

Local Case Insight

A residential site near Lewes included mature gardens, scrub, and orchard-style trees. Bird surveys identified the potential for nesting activity within retained vegetation and boundary features. Seasonal constraints were identified early, allowing site clearance and construction activities to be appropriately timed. Where vegetation needed to be retained during works, protective measures were implemented to prevent disturbance, enabling the project to progress smoothly.
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How Bird Surveys Work

Our specialist ecology team carries out a Bird Survey to assess nesting activity and confirm any risks. You receive a clear, LPA-ready report outlining practical mitigation and timing measures, helping your project remain compliant and progress without delay.

Key Deliverables for projects in Sussex:

We provide a clear, proportionate, practical approach which includes: 

  • Pre-works nesting bird checks

  • Full Breeding Bird Surveys where required

  • Barn, swallow, swift and house martin nesting inspections

  • Clearance timing advice for rural and semi-rural sites

  • Practical method statements to prevent disturbance

  • Reporting aligned with Derbyshire LPAs and the National Park

  • Clear next steps for designers and contractors 

We focus on clarity and practicality — keeping your Sussex project legal and moving. 

Step 1

Schedule

Send your site details and programme. We confirm the correct level of survey.

Step 2

Fieldwork

Walkovers, habitat assessments, observations and activity checks.

Step 3

Reporting

Planning-ready reports with impact assessment, mitigation options and timelines for site teams.

Step 4

Integration with other Surveys

Only if needed. PEA, EIA, and Protected Species surveys 

Next Steps

Need a bird survey in Sussex? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track. 

0800 494 7479

[email protected]

FAQ - Bird Surveys in Sussex

Why are bird surveys important for properties in Sussex?

Bird surveys in Sussex help identify protected species on your land before development or landscaping. They prevent legal issues under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and ensure planning applications meet local authority requirements.

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Commonly surveyed species include house sparrows, swifts, starlings, and various raptors. Sussex’s coastal and woodland habitats also mean surveys sometimes cover seabirds, warblers, and owls.

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Breeding bird surveys are usually conducted between April and June, while wintering surveys are done October to March. Nesting checks can be performed year-round but are critical during spring and early summer.

 

How do surveys in urban vs rural Sussex differ?

Urban surveys focus on roof spaces, gardens, and small green spaces, while rural surveys cover hedgerows, woodlands, and farmland. Survey techniques and frequency are adapted to the habitat type.

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If protected birds or active nests are discovered, works may need to be delayed or adjusted. Surveyors provide mitigation plans to protect the birds while allowing your project to proceed legally.

 

Request Report Quote

Yes. Local councils often require evidence of bird activity for planning approval. A clear survey report showing species presence, nesting activity, and recommended mitigation increases the likelihood of a smooth planning process.

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