We provide bird surveys across Somerset, including Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, Wells, and surrounding areas.
Do I need a bird survey for my development in Somerset?
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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Working in partnership with clients to ensure planning approval first time
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We stay with you from first call through to submission.
Somerset’s landscape of wetlands, moors, farmland, rivers, woodlands, and historic buildings provides valuable nesting and foraging habitats for many bird species.
A bird survey identifies species presence, nesting activity, and potential risks from proposed works. Results help planning authorities ensure developments comply with wildlife protection legislation. In Somerset, surveys are frequently requested for rural, wetland, and regeneration projects.
Planning officers often require bird surveys where works involve:
projects within the Somerset Levels, Mendip Hills, or floodplain areas near Bridgwater or Glastonbury
barn conversions or agricultural building upgrades in Taunton, Yeovil, or Wells
clearance of scrub, rough grassland, or unmanaged farmland in Sedgemoor or South Somerset
development near rivers, drainage channels, or wetland areas along the River Parrett, River Tone, or River Brue
sites flagged as having nesting bird potential during ecological appraisal in Mendip, Sedgemoor, or Somerset West & Taunton
A quick postcode check confirms local requirements.
We provide bird surveys across Somerset, including Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, Wells, and surrounding areas.
Somerset 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.
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.
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 Somerset project legal and moving.
Send your site details and programme. We confirm the correct level of survey.
Walkovers, habitat assessments, observations and activity checks.
Planning-ready reports with impact assessment, mitigation options and timelines for site teams.
Only if needed. PEA, EIA, and Protected Species surveys
Need a bird survey in Somerset? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
Yes. The Somerset Levels and surrounding wetlands provide important habitats for breeding and feeding birds. Developments affecting grassland, ditches, wetlands or adjacent farmland may require a bird survey to assess potential impacts before planning permission is granted.
Often, yes. Somerset has many traditional stone barns, farm buildings and rural outbuildings that can provide nesting opportunities for birds. Before refurbishment or conversion begins, a bird survey may be needed to determine whether nesting birds are present.
Potentially. New stables, riding arenas, access tracks and associated infrastructure may affect hedgerows, grassland or mature trees used by breeding birds. A survey helps identify ecological constraints early in the planning process.
They can be. Traditional orchards, shelter belts and mature boundary hedgerows often support breeding bird species. If these features are being altered or removed, a bird survey may be recommended before works commence.
Yes. Bird surveys are not only used for development proposals. They can also help establish baseline ecological conditions for habitat restoration, land management projects or biodiversity enhancement schemes by identifying how birds currently use the site.
A bird survey identifies nesting birds before construction or vegetation clearance begins. This enables works to be planned appropriately, helping developers avoid disturbing active nests while remaining compliant with wildlife legislation and planning requirements.
Yes. ProHort prepares bird survey reports using recognised ecological survey methodologies for submission to planning authorities throughout Somerset. Planning guidance is available through Somerset Council here:
Yes. Survey recommendations may include long term habitat management, such as maintaining hedgerows, managing grassland, planting native species or installing nesting features. These measures can help deliver lasting biodiversity benefits beyond the construction phase.
Absolutely. Commissioning ecological surveys before purchasing rural land helps identify potential ecological constraints, seasonal survey requirements and planning considerations before significant investment is made.
ProHort provides professional bird surveys across Somerset for homeowners, developers, architects, farmers, estate managers and planning consultants. Our experienced ecologists produce clear, planning ready reports with practical recommendations that help developments progress while protecting breeding birds and supporting sustainable land management.
