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.
Bird surveys in Sussex help identify protected species on your land before development or landscaping. They prevent legal issues under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and ensure planning applications meet local authority requirements.
Commonly surveyed species include house sparrows, swifts, starlings, and various raptors. Sussex’s coastal and woodland habitats also mean surveys sometimes cover seabirds, warblers, and owls.
Breeding bird surveys are usually conducted between April and June, while wintering surveys are done October to March. Nesting checks can be performed year-round but are critical during spring and early summer.
Urban surveys focus on roof spaces, gardens, and small green spaces, while rural surveys cover hedgerows, woodlands, and farmland. Survey techniques and frequency are adapted to the habitat type.
If protected birds or active nests are discovered, works may need to be delayed or adjusted. Surveyors provide mitigation plans to protect the birds while allowing your project to proceed legally.
Yes. Local councils often require evidence of bird activity for planning approval. A clear survey report showing species presence, nesting activity, and recommended mitigation increases the likelihood of a smooth planning process.
Arun District Council – https://www.arun.gov.uk/
Chichester District Council – https://www.chichester.gov.uk/
Crawley Borough Council – https://www.crawley.gov.uk/
Horsham District Council – https://www.horsham.gov.uk/
Mid Sussex District Council – https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/
Adur & Worthing Councils (shared services) – https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/
Worthing Borough Council – https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/worthing/
Eastbourne Borough Council – https://www.eastbourne.gov.uk/
Hastings Borough Council – https://www.hastings.gov.uk/
Lewes District Council – https://www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/
Rother District Council – https://www.rother.gov.uk/
Wealden District Council – https://www.wealden.gov.uk/
