Bird Surveys in Kent
Do I need a bird survey for my development in Kent?
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 Kent?
Kent’s combination of farmland, orchards, coastal landscapes, chalk grassland and urban fringe woodland supports abundant breeding birds.
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 Kent often expect bird assessments where disturbance is possible.
You may need a bird survey if your project involves:
clearance of hedgerows, blocks of scrub or unmanaged green areas in Canterbury
vegetation management or removal between March-August around Dover and Ashford
works on barns, older properties or bridges used by nesting birds around Folkestone
renovation or conversion of rural buildings or farm structures near Gravesham
brownfield redevelopment or solar installation surrounding Swale or Maidstone
- activities highlighted during a PEA anywhere in Kent
A postcode check can confirm whether your LPA expects bird evidence.
We provide bird surveys across Kent, covering key areas including Canterbury, Maidstone, Tonbridge & Malling, Ashford, Dover, Folkestone & Hythe, Medway, Swale, Sevenoaks, and Thanet.
Why Planning Officers in Kent Request Bird Surveys
In Kent, 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 linked to the breeding bird period. These delays can disrupt project programmes and may lead to avoidable redesign, highlighting 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 Kent:
We provide a clear, proportionate, practical approach which includes:
Nesting bird checks (vegetation & structure-based)
Breeding bird surveys (BBS) if required
Barn owl and specialist species assessments
Practical phasing and timing solutions
LPA compliant reporting
Practical next steps for contractors and design teams
We help you plan works, in Kent, 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 Kent? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
FAQ - Bird Surveys in Kent
Can I clear vegetation between March and August in Kent?
Not without checks. Many LPAs require nesting bird evidence before clearance.
For planning checks and guidance:
Canterbury City Council Planning https://www.canterbury.gov.uk/planning-and-building/search-and-comment-planning-applications
Maidstone Borough Council Planning https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/primary-services/planning-and-building/planning
Swale Borough Council Planning https://swale.gov.uk/your-council/contact-us/contact-a-council-service/planning
Ashford Borough Council Planning https://www.ashford.gov.uk/
What happens if active nests are found in Kent?
We advise safe working distances and phased works until fledging.
Do I always need a full breeding bird survey?
No — most projects only require a nesting bird check unless high-value habitat is affected.
Will birds delay my project in Staffordshire?
Only if the risk is identified too late. Early checks prevent seasonal constraints.
