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
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:
- Derby City Council – Planning
https://www.derby.gov.uk/planning
- Derbyshire County Council – Planning Policy
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/environment/planning
- Derbyshire Dales District Council – Planning
https://www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/planning
- High Peak Borough Council – Planning
https://www.highpeak.gov.uk/planning
- Amber Valley Borough Council – Planning
https://www.ambervalley.gov.uk/planning
- Erewash Borough Council – Planning
https://www.erewash.gov.uk/planning
- North East Derbyshire District Council – Planning
https://www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/planning
- Chesterfield Borough Council – Planning
https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/planning
- South Derbyshire District Council – Planning
https://www.southderbyshire.gov.uk/planning - Peak District National Park Authority – Planning
https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/planning
Do barns in Derbyshire require bird surveys?
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.
Will this delay planning in Derbyshire?
Not if checked early. Most delays arise when clearance begins during nesting season without evidence.