We deliver bird surveys throughout Nottinghamshire, supporting projects in Nottingham, Newark, Mansfield, Worksop, West Bridgford, and surrounding rural areas.
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.
Calls answered in 2 rings, emails replied to within the hour.
Clear guidance before you commit.
Working in partnership with clients to ensure planning approval first time
Industry Leading Standard
We stay with you from first call through to submission.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 Nottinghamshire? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
A bird survey may be required if your proposed development could affect habitats used by nesting or protected bird species. Developments involving mature trees, woodland, hedgerows, former industrial land, agricultural buildings or sites near rivers and wetlands are commonly assessed. Identifying ecological constraints early can help prevent delays during the planning process.
Breeding bird surveys are typically undertaken between March and July, when birds are nesting and most active. Some species require surveys at particular times within the breeding season, so obtaining ecological advice before submitting your planning application allows surveys to be completed within the appropriate survey window.
Bird surveys are frequently requested for housing developments, commercial schemes, farm diversification projects, mineral sites, infrastructure works and developments affecting woodland, hedgerows or open countryside. Even relatively small developments may require ecological assessment where suitable bird habitat is present.
The duration depends on the size and complexity of the site. Many surveys can be completed within a few hours, while larger developments or breeding bird assessments may require several visits throughout the survey season. Following the fieldwork, a detailed report is produced to support your planning application.
If breeding birds are identified, development can often continue with appropriate mitigation measures in place. These may include seasonal timing restrictions, protecting active nests, habitat retention or creating replacement habitat where appropriate. The objective is to ensure compliance with wildlife legislation while allowing the project to progress.
Yes. Completing a bird survey before submitting your planning application allows ecological issues to be addressed in advance. This reduces the likelihood of the Local Planning Authority requesting additional surveys after validation, helping applications progress more efficiently.
Yes. Our bird survey reports are prepared by experienced ecologists using recognised survey guidance and are suitable for planning submissions throughout Nottinghamshire. Planning guidance can also be found through Nottinghamshire County Council:
Potentially. Brownfield land can provide valuable habitat for a variety of bird species, particularly where scrub, rough grassland, standing structures or open ground have remained undisturbed. An initial ecological assessment will establish whether a breeding bird survey is required.
In most cases, bird survey reports remain valid for around two years, provided there have been no significant changes to the site or surrounding habitats. If development is delayed or the site changes substantially, the Local Planning Authority may request updated survey information.
ProHort provides professional bird surveys throughout Nottinghamshire for homeowners, developers, architects, planning consultants and commercial clients. Our experienced ecologists deliver practical advice, clear reporting and reliable survey scheduling, helping planning applications progress while ensuring compliance with wildlife legislation.
