Bird Surveys for Planning & Development
Clear, proportionate bird surveys and nesting checks to keep your project compliant, on schedule and planning-ready.
Do you need a Bird Survey?
If your site contains trees, hedgerows, buildings, scrub, grassland or any vegetation suitable for nesting, your LPA may require a bird survey or nesting check before planning can proceed.
What is a Bird Survey?
A bird survey assesses nesting, breeding or wintering activity to determine how works may affect birds on or near a site. It provides the evidence planners need to validate applications and prevents delays linked to the nesting season.
Early Signs a Bird Survey is Needed
LPAs frequently request surveys when:
- vegetation clearance is planned March–August
- trees, scrub, hedgerows or rough grassland are being removed
- barns, outbuildings or roof structures may hold nests
- PEA flagged breeding or wintering potential
- large sites include farmland, brownfield, wetland or coastal zones
- a planner has specifically asked for a bird or nesting assessment
Early confirmation avoids stoppages, redesigns and compliance risk.
What We Deliver
A practical, proportionate, planning-ready service.
| Service | Purpose | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Nesting Bird Checks | Confirm presence of active nests before clearance. | Clearance can proceed safely or be rescheduled. |
| Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) | Evidence for planning during breeding season. | Species data and planning-ready reporting. |
| Wintering Bird Surveys | Required on larger or sensitive sites. | Evidence for planning and mitigation design. |
| Activity Mapping | Identify nesting/foraging hotspots. | Clear constraints and opportunities for design teams. |
| Mitigation & Recommendations | If active nests or constraints are found. | Practical timelines and construction guidance. |
How it Works
Scope & Schedule
Share your site details and programme. We confirm whether a nesting check is enough or if full surveys are needed.
Fieldwork
Nesting checks, breeding bird surveys or wintering surveys depending on season and risk.
Reporting
Planning-ready reports with impact assessment, mitigation options and clear timescales.
Timing & Survey Windows
High-potential sites missing these windows often face delays.
Securing survey capacity early keeps planning timelines predictable.
Breeding Bird Season
March – August
Nesting Checks
year-round (limited if nests are active)
Wintering bird surveys
October - March
Legal Compliance & Planning risk
All wild birds, nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.
For certain species, additional protection applies under the Habitats Regulations.
Missing or incomplete surveys can lead to:
- planning refusal or validation delays
- stop-work notices during nesting season
- enforcement for disturbing active nests
- forced vegetation-clearance rescheduling
- timeline disruption due to seasonal limits
Our role: provide clear, compliant evidence aligned to your programme and design intent.
What You Receive
- confirmation of active/likely inactive nests
- breeding or wintering survey outputs
- species/activity mapping
- practical clearance timing advice
- planning-ready reporting
- mitigation routes for designers and contractors
Evidence for planners. Clear steps for site teams. No unnecessary surveys.
If we find an active nest we can create a works exclusion zone/buffer so that works can continue elsewhere on site without disturbing that specific nest
Case Note
Your Next Step
Need a bird survey or nesting check? We’ll confirm the route and secure the correct survey window
Phone: 0800 494 7479
Email: [email protected]
Areas We Cover
We cover many areas across England and Wales. Click below to find out more.
Bird Survey FAQs
What is a bird survey for planning?
A bird survey is an ecological assessment used to identify bird species present on or near a development site, including nesting, breeding, and protected species. It informs planning decisions by ensuring proposals comply with wildlife legislation and avoid harm to birds and their habitats.
When is a bird survey required?
Bird surveys are typically required where development may impact habitats used by nesting or breeding birds. This includes sites with trees, hedgerows, scrub, grassland, or buildings with nesting potential. Local Planning Authorities often request surveys where ecological constraints are likely.
What types of bird surveys are carried out?
The most common bird surveys include:
• Breeding bird surveys
• Winter bird surveys
• Vantage point surveys for flight activity
• Nesting bird checks prior to site clearance
The type of survey depends on the site, habitat, and planning requirements.
What is a breeding bird survey?
A breeding bird survey records bird activity during the nesting season to identify territories, nesting behaviour, and species presence. These surveys are essential where development could affect active nests or legally protected species.
When is the best time to carry out a bird survey?
The optimal timing depends on the survey type:
• Breeding bird surveys, typically March to July
• Winter bird surveys, typically November to February
• Nesting checks, required immediately prior to vegetation clearance
Undertaking surveys at the correct time is critical for planning validation.
How long does a bird survey take?
Most bird surveys involve multiple site visits:
• Breeding surveys usually require three to five visits
• Winter surveys typically require at least three visits
• Individual visits are often carried out early morning when bird activity is highest
The full survey programme may span several weeks or months depending on seasonality.
How much does a bird survey cost?
Bird survey fees are confirmed by quotation and depend on:
• Site size and habitat complexity
• Type of survey required
• Number of visits needed
• Geographic location and travel
Smaller sites with low complexity will be at the lower end of the scale, while larger or ecologically sensitive sites require more detailed survey effort.
Do I need a bird survey for my planning application?
If your site includes vegetation, trees, or buildings with nesting potential, there is a strong likelihood that a bird survey will be required. Early engagement helps avoid planning delays and ensures your application meets validation requirements.
What legislation protects birds in the UK?
All wild birds in the UK are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is an offence to:
• Intentionally harm or disturb birds
• Damage or destroy active nests
• Disturb certain protected species
A bird survey ensures compliance with these legal requirements.
Can development take place during bird nesting season?
Yes, but only where it can be clearly demonstrated that no active nests will be affected. This usually requires a nesting bird check carried out by a qualified ecologist immediately before works begin.
What happens if birds are found on site?
If birds or active nests are identified, mitigation measures will be required. This may include:
• Timing works to avoid nesting season
• Creating buffer zones
• Providing replacement habitats such as bird boxes
These measures are detailed within the survey report to support planning approval.
Will the Local Planning Authority accept the survey?
Bird survey reports must meet Local Planning Authority standards and follow recognised ecological guidance. You can review planning requirements via your local authority, for example:
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects
All ProHort reports are designed to be planning ready and align with LPA validation expectations.
