Bird Surveys in Hampshire
Do I need a bird survey for my development in Hampshire?
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 Hampshire?
Hampshire’s mix of chalk downs, coastal fringes, heathland, farmland and woodland supports diverse nesting and breeding bird communities.
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 Hampshire often require bird evidence when vegetation or structures may be impacted.
You may need a bird survey if your project involves:
removal or reduction of hedgerows and trees in the New Forest or Test Valley
vegetation clearance during the March–August nesting window around Winchester or Eastleigh
works to barns, heritage structures or bridge spans with nesting potential near Petersfield or Alton
refurbishment of rural buildings or farm complexes across the Basingstoke and Andover area
redevelopment of brownfield land or installation of solar infrastructure around Portsmouth or Southampton
- any nesting risk highlighted during a PEA anywhere within Hampshire
A simple postcode check confirms whether your LPA expects bird evidence.
We provide bird surveys across Hampshire, covering key areas including Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Andover, Fareham, Gosport, Petersfield, and the New Forest.
Why Planning Officers in Hampshire Request Bird Surveys
In Hampshire, 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 often delayed due to validation queries, additional planning conditions, or seasonal restrictions tied to the breeding bird period. These delays can disrupt project programmes and may result in avoidable redesign, emphasizing the importance of early, targeted nesting bird assessments.
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 Hampshire:
We provide a clear, proportionate, practical approach which includes:
Nesting bird checks (vegetation & structures)
Breeding bird surveys where required
Barn owl and schedule 1 species checks
Clear, proportionate avoidance advice
Reporting aligned with Hampshire LPA expectations
Practical guidance for contractors
We help you plan works, in Hampshire, safely around the breeding season.
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 Hampshire? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
FAQ - Bird Surveys in Hampshire
Does chalk downland, wetland or coastal‑edge habitat heighten survey requirements?
Yes — chalk grasslands, rivers, coastal habitats and wetlands can support ground‑nesting birds, waders or water‑dependent species. Projects in these habitats should at least have a nesting‑bird check, and possibly more detailed surveys.
For planning checks and guidance:
East Hampshire District Council Planning https://www.easthants.gov.uk/planning-services/search-and-comment-planning-applications
Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council Planning https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/view-planning-applications
Fareham Borough Council Planning https://www.fareham.gov.uk/planning/applications_and_advice/intro.aspx
Winchester City Council Planning https://www.winchester.gov.uk/planning/planning-applications
Rushmoor Borough Council Planning https://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/planningsearch
Havant Borough Council Planning https://www.havant.gov.uk/comment/search-and-comment-planning-applications-overview
If works overlap March–August, can we still proceed in Hampshire?
Only if a licensed ecologist performs a pre‑clearance nest check immediately before works. If active nests are found, clearance must be paused until fledging.
Do small housing extensions matter, or only large developments in Hampshire?
Even small works may affect nesting birds — for example, altering eaves, demolishing sheds, or removing garden trees/hedges. It’s prudent to assess nesting risk regardless of project size.
Is there an ideal window in Hampshire for vegetation clearance to minimise ecological and legal risk?
Yes — between September and February is generally safest. Outside that, clearance during nesting season requires careful nest‑checks by a competent ecologist.
