We provide bird surveys across Sussex, including Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Horsham, Chichester and surrounding rural areas.
Do I need a bird survey for my development in Sussex?
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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Sussex supports a rich mix of coastal, rural and wooded habitats, including chalk downland, ancient woodland, river valleys, grazing marsh and traditional flint and timber buildings. These environments provide important nesting opportunities for farmland, woodland and coastal bird species.
Bird surveys assess whether birds are breeding or regularly using a site that may be affected by development. Ecologists record visual and auditory evidence across appropriate seasons to identify risks and inform mitigation. In Sussex, survey results are often required to demonstrate compliance with wildlife legislation, particularly where development could disturb nesting birds.
Local authorities may request bird surveys for works such as:
vegetation clearance during the breeding season across East and West Sussex
redevelopment of rural barns and farmsteads within the South Downs
renovation of older coastal properties and harbourside buildings
scrub and grassland removal on former agricultural or brownfield land
development near hedgerows, streams or woodland edges
A simple postcode check can confirm the likely survey requirements for your local authority or relevant planning body.
We provide bird surveys across Sussex, including Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Horsham, Chichester and surrounding rural areas.
Sussex 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 Sussex 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 Sussex? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
Planning authorities may request a bird survey where development could affect breeding birds or habitats they depend upon. In Sussex, this commonly includes sites close to the South Downs, coastal habitats, ancient woodland, farmland, rivers, mature gardens and hedgerow networks. An early survey helps demonstrate that ecological considerations have been properly assessed before planning decisions are made.
Not always. Trees, hedgerows and dense vegetation frequently provide nesting opportunities for wild birds, particularly during the breeding season. Before any vegetation clearance takes place, an ecological assessment may be recommended to determine whether protected nesting birds could be affected and whether further surveys are required.
No. Smaller developments such as house extensions, barn conversions, replacement dwellings, tourism projects or agricultural improvements can also require bird surveys where suitable nesting habitat is present. The requirement depends on the site’s ecological value rather than the size of the development alone.
A bird survey identifies whether breeding or notable bird species are using the site and assesses whether the proposed development could impact them. The report provides practical recommendations that may include avoiding sensitive areas, timing works appropriately or incorporating habitat enhancements into the development.
In most cases, no. The purpose of a bird survey is to identify ecological constraints early so they can be managed appropriately. Where birds are present, suitable mitigation measures usually allow development to proceed while remaining compliant with wildlife legislation and planning policy.
Yes. In fact, completing ecological surveys before submitting an application is often the most effective approach. Providing the necessary ecological information at validation stage helps planning officers assess the proposal without requesting additional surveys later in the process.
Yes. Our bird survey reports follow recognised ecological survey guidance and are prepared by experienced ecologists for submission to planning authorities throughout Sussex. Planning guidance for developments within the county can be found through the relevant Local Planning Authority, including West Sussex County Council:
Once the field survey is finished, ProHort prepares a detailed report explaining the habitats present, species recorded, any ecological constraints and, where necessary, recommendations for mitigation or enhancement. The report is designed to support planning applications and provide clear advice for developers and homeowners.
Yes. In addition to assessing potential impacts, bird surveys often identify opportunities to improve biodiversity through measures such as native planting, bird boxes, retained hedgerows or habitat creation. These enhancements can support planning objectives while delivering long term ecological benefits.
ProHort provides bird surveys throughout Sussex for residential, commercial and rural developments. Our experienced ecologists understand local planning requirements and deliver clear, practical reports tailored to each site. By identifying ecological constraints early, we help clients progress their projects efficiently while protecting important bird species and their habitats.
