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Bird Surveys in Nottinghamshire

Bird Surveys in Nottinghamshire

Do I need a bird survey for my development in Nottinghamshire?

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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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 Nottinghamshire?

Nottinghamshire’s varied landscape of lowland farmland, mature hedgerow networks, ancient woodland remnants, former colliery sites, river floodplains, parkland estates and traditional brick farm buildings provides valuable nesting and foraging habitat for many bird species.

A bird survey involves assessing land or buildings to identify which bird species are using the site for nesting, feeding or roosting. Ecologists observe behaviour, listen for calls and record evidence over suitable seasons to determine whether protected or notable birds may be affected by proposed works. Survey findings inform planning decisions and help ensure developments comply with wildlife legislation. In Nottinghamshire, local planning authorities frequently request bird survey evidence where vegetation or structures could be disturbed.

Planning officers commonly require bird surveys where proposals include:

  • vegetation clearance between March and August across Nottingham and surrounding districts

  • conversion or refurbishment of agricultural buildings in areas such as Bassetlaw and Newark & Sherwood

  • demolition or alteration of older brick buildings and rural dwellings in Rushcliffe villages

  • removal of scrub, rough grassland or former industrial land within Ashfield

  • works adjacent to woodland blocks, hedgerows, watercourses or the River Trent corridor

  • developments where a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) identifies nesting bird potential anywhere in Nottinghamshire

A simple postcode check can confirm the likely survey requirements for your local authority or relevant planning body.

We deliver bird surveys throughout Nottinghamshire, supporting projects in Nottingham, Newark, Mansfield, Worksop, West Bridgford, and surrounding rural areas.

 

 
 
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Why Planning Officers in Nottinghamshire Request Bird Surveys

Nottinghamshire 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 frequently 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

A small development on the edge of West Bridgford involved vegetation clearance within boundary hedgerows and unmanaged grassland. Preliminary bird surveys confirmed the site provided suitable nesting habitat, particularly within dense scrub and hedgerow features. The findings highlighted seasonal constraints where clearance was proposed. Works were therefore programmed outside the nesting period, with precautionary checks undertaken where needed. This approach ensured legal compliance and avoided delays during construction.
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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 Nottinghamshire:

We provide a clear, proportionate, practical approach which includes: 

  • Pre-works nesting bird checks

  • Full Breeding Bird Surveys where required

  • Barn, swallow, swift and house martin nesting inspections

  • Clearance timing advice for rural and semi-rural sites

  • Practical method statements to prevent disturbance

  • Reporting aligned with Derbyshire LPAs and the National Park

  • Clear next steps for designers and contractors 

We focus on clarity and practicality — keeping your Nottinghamshire project legal and moving. 

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 Nottinghamshire? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track. 

0800 494 7479

[email protected]

FAQ - Bird Surveys in Nottinghamshire

What is a bird survey and why might I need one in Nottinghamshire?

A bird survey assesses nesting, breeding or wintering bird activity on your site to show planners how your proposed works may affect birds. Local planning authorities often require this evidence to validate planning applications and to avoid legal issues under UK wildlife protection laws.

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Nesting bird checks can be done year‑round but are especially important during the nesting season (March–August). Breeding bird surveys are typically April–June, and wintering bird surveys are usually October–March.

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A nesting check confirms whether active nests are present in the work area and is often adequate for smaller projects. A Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is more comprehensive across a wider area and may be needed for larger or sensitive sites

Can vegetation clearance take place during the bird nesting season?

Yes — but only if a nesting bird check shows there are no active nests in the area to be cleared. If active nests are found, that specific patch must be protected until the young have fledged.

Secure Expert Report

If active nests are found, the survey report will recommend works exclusion zones or buffers around them so other parts of the project can continue legally while the nest remains undisturbed.

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Planners expect clear findings on presence/likely absence of birds and nests, species and activity mapping where relevant, and proportionate mitigation or timing advice that aligns with the planning application and protects birds under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

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