Bird Surveys in Shropshire
Do I need a bird survey for my development in Shropshire?
If your planning application could affect birds or their habitats, a professional survey is essential — we provide fully compliant reports to secure your consent.
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 Shropshire?
Shropshire’s mix of farmsteads, hedgerows, woodland edges, barns, river corridors, meadows, and older buildings supports a wide range of nesting and breeding birds. These varied landscapes provide ideal conditions for both common and protected species, offering shelter, feeding opportunities, and suitable nesting sites. As a result, many development projects in Shropshire require careful consideration of breeding bird constraints to ensure legal compliance and avoid seasonal delays.
A bird survey is a check of an area to see what birds live there or visit. Experts watch, listen, and record birds over time to understand which species are present and if they could be affected by a development. The results help make sure building or land changes don’t harm wildlife and meet planning rules
Planning officers in Shropshire often require bird evidence when vegetation or structures may be impacted.
You may need a bird survey if your project involves:
- hedgerow or tree removal in the Shropshire Hills or around Church Stretton
- vegetation clearance between March–August near Shrewsbury, Telford, or Market Drayton
- works on barns, older buildings or bridges used by nesting birds around Bridgnorth
- restoration of rural buildings or farm conversions near Ludlow
- brownfield redevelopment or solar schemes around Oswestry or Whitchurch
- activity flagged in a PEA anywhere across Shropshire
A simple postcode check confirms if your LPA is likely to ask for bird evidence.
We provide bird surveys across Shropshire, covering key areas including Shrewsbury, Wem, Ellesmere, Oswestry, Bridgnorth, Ironbridge, Highley, Telford, Newport, Donnington, Ludlow, Church Stretton, Craven Arms, Whitchurch, and Market Drayton.
Why Planning Officers in Shropshire Request Bird Surveys
Shropshire 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. These issues can disrupt project programmes, limit available working windows, and in some cases force avoidable redesign.
Local Case Insight
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 Shropshire:
We provide a practical, proportionate approach which includes:
Nesting bird checks for vegetation and buildings
Breeding bird surveys (BBS) where required
Barn owl and specialist assessments (if relevant)
Clear mitigation and avoidance measures
Reporting aligned with Shropshire LPA expectations
Phased clearance guidance for contractors
Practical next steps fitted to your programme
We help you plan works, in Shropshire, around the breeding season with minimal disruption.
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 Shropshire? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
FAQ - Bird Surveys in Shropshire
Can I clear vegetation during the nesting season?
Yes — but only after a nesting bird check confirms no active nests.
For planning checks and guidance:
- Shropshire Council Planning
https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/planning
- Telford & Wrekin Council Planning
https://www.telford.gov.uk/planning
Do barn conversions in Shropshire automatically require bird surveys?
Often, yes. Swallows, barn owls and martins frequently nest in rural buildings.
Will a bird survey delay planning in Shropshire?
Not if timed well. Early checks prevent seasonal delays.
Do I need a full breeding bird survey in Shropshire?
Only where high-value habitat is involved — most projects require a simple nesting check.
