We provide bird surveys across Hampshire, covering key areas including Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Andover, Fareham, Gosport, Petersfield, and the New Forest.
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.
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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
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 Hampshire? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
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
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.
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.
Yes — between September and February is generally safest. Outside that, clearance during nesting season requires careful nest‑checks by a competent ecologist.
