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Bird Surveys in the West Midlands

Bird Surveys in the West Midlands

Do I need a bird survey for my development in the West Midlands?

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 the West Midlands?

The West Midlands’ mix of industrial buildings, canal corridors, railway lines, overgrown plots, commercial estates and suburban gardens creates nesting opportunities for everything from pigeons to swifts to protected species such as barn owls (less common but still possible on the fringes). 

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 the West Midlands often require bird surveys when vegetation or structures may be impacted.

Planning officers often require bird evidence where: 

  • vegetation clearance is planned March–August near Sutton Coldfield

  • buildings with nesting potential will be renovated or demolished around Dudley

  • industrial units or warehouses hold roof access points in Walsall or Wolverhampton

  • canal or railway corridor works may disturb nesting habitat near Solihull or Coventry

  • a PEA highlights breeding bird risk in Birmingham and Sandwell

A quick postcode check confirms whether your LPA expects bird evidence. 

We provide bird surveys across the West Midlands, covering key areas including Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Solihull, Sandwell, Dudley, and Walsall.

 
 
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Why Planning Officers in the West Midlands Request Bird Surveys

West Midlands 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 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 redevelopment site in Digbeth required vegetation clearance during A redevelopment site in Digbeth required vegetation clearance during the summer months, meaning there was a high likelihood of nesting bird activity. A targeted pre-works nesting bird check identified an active blackbird nest within a dense patch of bramble, confirming that immediate removal would risk disturbing breeding birds and breach legislation. By adjusting the clearance sequence, establishing a temporary buffer, and carrying out a short monitoring period until the young had fledged, the team was able to keep the programme moving without compromising legal compliance. Once the nest was no longer active, clearance proceeded smoothly, and the planning submission advanced without delays or the need for further ecological conditions.summer. A pre-works nesting bird check identified an active blackbird nest in bramble. By adjusting the clearance sequence and providing a short monitoring period, works continued legally and the planning submission faced no delays.
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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 the West Midlands:

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

  • Nesting bird checks for structures and vegetation

  • Breeding bird surveys where relevant

  • Swift and roof-nesting species assessments

  • Practical timing guidace for clearance and works 

  • Reporting aligned with the West Midlands LPA expectations

  • Mitigation and method statements tailored to your design and contractors 

We aim to simplify your planning route, in the West Midlands, and avoid unnecessary seasonal delays. 

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 the West Midlands? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track. 

0800 494 7479

[email protected]

FAQ - Bird Surveys in the West Midlands

Can works go ahead during the bird nesting season?

Yes — but only after a nesting check confirms no active nests in affected areas.

For planning checks and guidance: 

Speak to Our Team

Often. Roof voids, cladding gaps and ledges frequently support nesting.

Check My Site
Are gulls and pigeons protected in the West Midlands?

Yes — all wild bird nests are protected while in use.

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Not with early checks. Delays happen when nesting risk is identified late. 

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