Bird Surveys in Surrey
Do I need a bird survey for my development in Surrey?
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 Surrey?
Surrey’s landscape includes ancient woodland, chalk grassland, farmland, heathland (such as the Thames Basin Heaths), large gardens and estate parkland — all of which support nesting 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 Surrey often require bird evidence when vegetation or structures may be impacted.
You may need a bird survey if your project involves:
removal of hedgerows or trees in Guildford and Woking
vegetation management between March–August around Redhill, Reigate and Dorking
work on barns, older structures, or bridges that may support nesting birds across Farnham and Godalming
renovation of rural buildings or conversion of farm outbuildings near Haslemere and Cranleigh
redevelopment of brownfield land or installation of solar infrastructure surrounding Epsom and Ewell
projects where a PEA has highlighted nesting bird potential throughout Surrey
A quick postcode check confirms whether your LPA expects bird evidence.
We provide bird surveys across Surrey, covering key areas including Guildford, Woking, Farnham, Reigate, Redhill, Epsom, Esher, Leatherhead, Dorking, and the Surrey Hills.
Why Planning Officers in Surrey Request Bird Surveys
In Surrey, 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 Surrey:
We provide a clear, proportionate, practical approach which includes:
Nesting bird checks (vegetation & structure-based)
Breeding bird surveys (BBS) where required
Barn owl assessments (if relevant)
Practical avoidance and timing strategies
Clear reporting aligned with LPA expectations
Guidance on phased vegetation clearance
Simple next steps for contractors and designers
We help you plan works, in Surrey, 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 Surrey? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
FAQ - Bird Surveys in Surrey
Can I clear vegetation between March and August in Surrey?
Not without checks. Many LPAs require nesting bird evidence before clearance.
For planning checks and guidance:
Surrey County Council Planning: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/planning
Guildford Borough Council Planning: https://www.guildford.gov.uk/planning
Woking Borough Council Planning: https://www.woking.gov.uk/planning
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council Planning: https://www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/planning
Mole Valley District Council Planning: https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/planning
Are there particular bird species we should consider in Surrey developments?
Yes — woodland and rural Surrey often supports birds like barn owls (roosting in barns/trees), woodland songbirds, and wetland species near river corridors. Where barn owls are involved, survey work should comply with specialist guidance.
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 Surrey?
Only if the risk is identified too late. Early checks prevent seasonal constraints.
