Wintering and breeding birds

Thomson Ecology are highly experienced at carrying out wintering bird surveys and breeding bird surveys. We also have experience of surveying coastal birds as part of wind farm and coastal development proposals.

Ecology and Conservation status

There are approximately 250 species of birds which breed in the UK. Many are resident all year round but some are migrants, coming to the UK for the summer to breed. Other birds are migrants arriving in the winter to escape cooler climes.
Bird habitat varies widely from bare ground through to woodland and, therefore, birds’ nests may be found almost anywhere.
Some birds have a higher conservation status than others.

Protection and Legislation

The best sites for birds have largely been classified as designated sites (SPAs, SSSI, NNRs and LNRs) and are protected from development both within the site and within certain distances from the site.
Outside of these sites, there are basically three levels of protection for birds:
1) Those listed on Schedule1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (a long list including the Greenshank, Barn Owl, Black Redstart, Sandpiper, Woodlark) who enjoy protection from disturbance (intentionally or recklessly) during the breeding season,
2) The 49 species that are listed as Species of Principal Importance in England under section 41 of the NERC Act( includes Lapwing, Skylark, Yellowerhammer, Linnet, Song thrush) which must be protected from adverse effects of any development,
3) All species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any species of wild bird, and to take, damage or destroy their nests or eggs.

Licences and Surveys

Given the wide variety of birds found in the UK and the range of nesting sites, almost all development sites have the potential to support nesting birds.
A licence may be required to survey birds on Schedule 1, such as Barn Owls, black redstarts and goshawks during the breeding season if disturbance could result.
Wintering bird surveys use methodologies such as the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS). For Breeding bird surveys, we generally use the Common Bird Census (CBC) technique but use species specific techniques when required.

Mitigation

Killing or injuring adult birds is not usually a danger on most development sites as they are generally able to escape the movements of site machinery. Exceptions may be new roads and wind farms. Special considerations would apply to these types of development.
Birds’ nests, eggs and nestlings are however vulnerable. It is therefore advisable to carry out site clearance outside of the bird breeding season.
If this is not possible, then potential nest sites must be looked for prior to site clearance. If nests are found these will have to be protected until the young have fledged. There are some rare bird species that re-use their nests and these nests are therefore protected even when not in use.
Alternative bird habitats should be created if habitat is lost. A number of measures can be employed to increase bird life on site from planting ‘wild’ areas, putting up nest boxes and green roofs. These must be properly maintained to ensure that they continue to provide a habitat for birds. Our ecological consultants can make specific recommendations for your site.