We provide bird surveys across the West Midlands, covering key areas including Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Solihull, Sandwell, Dudley, and Walsall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 the West Midlands? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
They can be. Demolition of older buildings, warehouses, factories and disused structures may affect nesting birds that have established themselves on ledges, roof spaces or external features. A bird survey helps determine whether protected nesting birds are present before works begin.
Yes. Urban environments throughout the West Midlands support many bird species that nest within buildings, parks, street trees, canals and landscaped areas. Even developments in town and city centres may require ecological assessment where suitable habitat exists.
Yes. Extensions, refurbishments or redevelopment of schools, hospitals, care homes and other public buildings can affect nesting birds, particularly where mature trees, roof structures or established landscaping are present. Surveys help ensure works comply with wildlife legislation.
Potentially. Modern business parks often contain ponds, sustainable drainage features, woodland planting and mature landscaping that support breeding birds. If development could impact these habitats, a bird survey may be requested as part of the planning process.
Yes. Species such as gulls, swifts, house martins and pigeons regularly nest on commercial and industrial buildings. A survey identifies whether active nests or important nesting locations are present before maintenance, refurbishment or redevelopment works commence.
If the survey confirms that breeding birds are absent, the report will explain the findings and may conclude that no further bird specific surveys are required. This provides planning authorities with evidence that ecological issues have been properly considered before development proceeds.
Yes. Our bird survey reports are prepared by experienced ecologists using recognised survey methodologies and are suitable for submission to Local Planning Authorities throughout the West Midlands. Planning information for the region can be accessed through the relevant authority, including Birmingham City Council:
Yes. Alongside assessing potential impacts, bird surveys often identify opportunities to enhance biodiversity through habitat retention, native planting, bird boxes and landscape improvements. These measures can contribute positively to local biodiversity objectives while supporting sustainable development.
Yes. A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) provides an overview of the ecological features present on a site and determines whether further specialist surveys are needed. A bird survey specifically focuses on breeding and protected bird species, their habitats and any potential impacts from development.
ProHort provides professional bird surveys across the West Midlands for developers, architects, commercial property owners, local authorities and homeowners. Our experienced ecologists deliver practical advice, planning ready reports and proportionate recommendations that help developments progress while protecting nesting birds and meeting ecological planning requirements.
