Telephone: 0800 494 7479

Bird Surveys in Derbyshire

Bird Surveys in Derbyshire

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

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 Derbyshire?

Derbyshire’s landscape of woodland edges, farmland, dry stone boundaries, upland valleys, quarries, parkland and traditional farm buildings offers an ideal nesting habitat for a wide range of bird species.

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 Derbyshire often require bird evidence when vegetation or structures may be impacted.

Planning officers often require bird surveys when works involve:

  • vegetation removal during March–August across Derby

  • barn conversions or farm outbuilding upgrades in Chesterfield

  • demolition or renovation of traditional buildings across High Peak

  • clearance of scrub, bramble or tall grassland within Derbyshire Dales

  • works near woodland, hedgerows or river corridors in Amber Valley

  • projects where a PEA has highlighted nesting bird potential throughout South Derbyshire

A quick postcode check confirms what your local authority, or the National Park is likely to require. 

We provide bird surveys across Derbyshire, covering key areas including Derby, Chesterfield, High Peak, Derbyshire Dales, Amber Valley, and South Derbyshire.

 

 
 

Why Planning Officers in Derbyshire Request Bird Surveys

Derbyshire 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 renovation project near Belper required vegetation clearance beside a hedgerow during the spring breeding season, raising the likelihood of nesting bird activity. A targeted pre-works nesting check identified an active wren nest within a dense bramble patch, confirming that immediate clearance would risk disturbing a legally protected nest. By introducing a phased clearance plan, establishing a temporary buffer around the nest, and carrying out a short monitoring period until the young had fledged, the team maintained full compliance with wildlife legislation while keeping the project on schedule. Once the nest was no longer active, works proceeded smoothly, and the planning process continued without additional ecological conditions or delays.

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 Derbyshire:

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 Derbyshire 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 Derbyshire? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track. 

FAQ - Bird Surveys in Derbyshire

Can we clear vegetation during nesting season?

Only if a nesting check confirms the area is free of active nests. 

For planning checks and guidance: 

Often — many support swallows, house martins, owls or passerine nests. 

Are upland or rural sites in Derbyshire more at risk?

Typically yes, due to higher habitat diversity.

Not if checked early. Most delays arise when clearance begins during nesting season without evidence.

Related Services