Services · Core

Bird Surveys

All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law. Breeding bird, wintering bird and vantage-point surveys establish how birds use your site — and ensure your project doesn't fall foul of wildlife legislation.

Breeding seasonMarch – August

Wintering seasonNovember – March

MethodTerritory mapping

ProtectionAll wild birds

Overview

All wild birds in the UK are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird, or to take, damage or destroy a nest while it is in use or being built. Certain species listed on Schedule 1 receive additional protection against disturbance at or near the nest.

Breeding bird surveys are typically carried out using territory mapping methodology (Common Birds Census / BTO guidelines), with a minimum of three visits between April and June to record singing males, territorial behaviour and evidence of nesting. For larger or more sensitive sites, six or more visits may be appropriate. The results identify which species are breeding, where territories are concentrated and how habitat use changes through the season.

Wintering bird surveys record species assemblages and habitat use across the non-breeding season (November to March), with particular focus on sites near the coast, estuaries, wetlands or farmland that may support significant numbers of waders, wildfowl or farmland birds. Vantage-point surveys are used for sites where raptors, owls or other sensitive species may be affected, particularly for wind energy and solar farm proposals.

When you need this

Developing sites with hedgerows, woodland, scrub, grassland, wetland or arable habitats used by breeding birds
Vegetation clearance, tree felling or demolition is planned during the breeding season (March–August)
Your site is near the coast, an estuary or a wetland that may support important wintering bird populations
A wind farm, solar farm or tall structure is proposed where collision risk or displacement of birds is a concern
The development affects Schedule 1 species habitat (e.g. barn owl, peregrine, hobby, kingfisher)

Our approach

01
Breeding bird survey
Territory mapping with a minimum of three early-morning visits between April and June. All bird species and their behaviours (song, alarm, carrying food, nest building) are recorded and mapped to identify breeding territories.
02
Wintering bird survey
Monthly visits from November to March, recording species, numbers, distribution and habitat use across the site. Particularly important for coastal, estuarine and wetland sites.
03
Vantage-point survey
Fixed observation points are used to record flight lines, heights, activity and habitat use of target species (typically raptors or large birds). Used for collision risk modelling on wind energy projects.
04
Assessment and mitigation
Survey results are assessed against the development proposals to identify impacts on breeding and wintering bird populations. Mitigation may include seasonal timing restrictions, vegetation retention, nest-box provision or habitat creation.

Survey season

Breeding: March–August · Wintering: November–March

Optimal: Breeding: April–June · Wintering: December–February

Breeding bird surveys must cover the core nesting season (April–June). Wintering bird surveys are spread across November to March. A full year of survey may be needed for EIA-level assessments or sites supporting both breeding and wintering assemblages of conservation importance.

Regulatory context

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981All wild birds, their nests (while in use or being built) and eggs are protected under Part 1. Schedule 1 species receive additional protection against disturbance at or near the nest.
NERC Act 2006 (Section 41)Many bird species are listed as Species of Principal Importance, including skylark, song thrush, house sparrow, starling and a range of farmland and woodland species.
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017Certain habitats supporting internationally important bird populations are designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the Habitats Regulations.

Related services

Need a birds quote?

Tell us about your site and we'll come back with a clear scope, indicative timing and a fixed quote.

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Frequently asked questions

01Can I clear vegetation during the bird nesting season?+

Vegetation clearance during the nesting season (broadly March to August) is not illegal in itself, but destroying an active nest is. If clearance must take place during this period, a checking survey by a qualified ecologist immediately before works is essential to ensure no active nests are present.

02Do I need both breeding and wintering bird surveys?+

It depends on the site and its habitats. Most inland development sites require only breeding bird survey. Wintering bird survey is needed for sites near the coast, estuaries, wetlands or farmland supporting significant numbers of waders, wildfowl or farmland birds.

03How many survey visits are required?+

A minimum of three visits for breeding bird territory mapping, though six or more are standard for larger sites or EIA-level assessments. Wintering surveys typically require monthly visits from November to March (five visits). Vantage-point surveys vary by project type.

04What is a Schedule 1 bird species?+

Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 lists species that receive additional legal protection — it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb them at or near their nest. Examples include barn owl, peregrine falcon, kingfisher, hobby and red kite. A licence may be required to survey them.

Get in touch

Have a site that needs surveying?

Tell us about the project. We'll come back with a clear scope, timing and a fixed quote.

Request a quote→