Bird Surveys in Cheshire
Do I need a bird survey for my development in Cheshire?
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 Cheshire?
Cheshire’s landscape of hedged farmland, parkland estates, canal corridors, wet meadows and older rural buildings provides ideal nesting conditions for many 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
Local planning teams in Cheshire frequently request bird evidence when structures or vegetation could be affected.
You may need a bird survey if your project involves:
tree removal or hedgerow reduction around Chester, Ellesmere Port or Frodsham
vegetation clearance between March-August in Warrington or Lymm
barn conversions or agricultural building works near Knutsford or Wilmslow
redevelopment affecting eaves, loft voids or open structures in Macclesfield or Poynton
works near rivers, canals or wetland edges around Crewe or Nantwich
A quick postcode check will confirm if your LPA is likely to require nesting bird evidence.
We deliver bird surveys across Cheshire, covering key areas including Chester, Warrington, Knutsford, Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Crewe, Nantwich, Northwich, and Winsford.
Why Planning Officers in Cheshire Request Bird Surveys
Cheshire 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 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 Cheshire:
We provide a clear, proportionate, practical approach which includes:
Nesting bird checks for vegetation and structures
Breeding bird surveys (BBS) where required
Barn owl and specialist species assessments (if relevant)
Proportionate avoidance and mitigation measures
Reporting aligned with Cheshire LPA validation requirements
Practical guidance for timing, clearance and method statements
Clear next steps for design teams and contractors
We make the survey process, for Cheshire, straightforward with realistic, planning-ready outputs.
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 Cheshire? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
FAQ - Bird Surveys in Cheshire
Can works go ahead during the nesting season in Cheshire?
Yes — but only once a nesting check confirms no active nests in affected areas.
For planning checks and guidance:
- Cheshire East Council Planning
https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/planning - Cheshire West & Chester Council Planning
https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/planning - Warrington Borough Council Planning
https://www.warrington.gov.uk/planning
Do barn conversions in Cheshire always need bird surveys?
Often. Rural buildings in Cheshire frequently support swallows, martins or barn owls.
Will this delay planning in Cheshire?
Not if carried out early. Delays usually occur when nesting risk is identified late.
Do I need a full Breeding Bird Survey in Cheshire?
Only for higher-value habitats — most developments require a targeted nesting check.
