Breeding Bird Surveys for Planning
In recent times, bird population trends have indicated a steady decrease in the number of widespread bird species. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPC) all specialise in bird conservation and manage data collected with the purpose of keeping track of population changes. From the latest report, certain species – like the little egret – have seen improvements with bird populations, but many priority species continue to deplete.
All breeding birds listed within Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) are protected by law, making it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird, as well as intentionally take, damage or destroy wild bird nests and eggs. Any activities that could in any way disrupt or endanger common breeding birds, nests and eggs will be seen as a breach of the law, with land and property development projects often appearing as the most likely cause.
Birds of Conservation Concern (BOCC) ranks bird species by range, population status and abundance changes. The ‘red list’ species covers birds with high conservation concern and globally threatened status, and the ‘amber list’ covers birds with medium conservation concern and unfavourable conservation status. In addition to that, 45 species are also included in Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006.
While the BTO/JNCC/RSPB breeding bird survey specifically monitors the population numbers of wild bird species across the country, another form of breeding bird survey helps to inform developers. A breeding bird survey provided by the ecological consultants at Arbtech supports a planning project with securing planning permission, avoiding causing a threat to listed birds and ensuring that no laws regarding bird conservation are broken at any point in the development process.
Breeding Bird Survey Method for Development
Before any development work goes ahead, an ecological consultant will need to confirm that priority species and their habitats aren’t likely to be harmed as a result of it. Usually, natural assets will be uncovered after an ecological survey, such as a preliminary ecological assessment (PEA) or ecological impact assessment (EcIA). Alternatively, however, the need for further surveys could come from early observations of the site or the instructions of the local council.
In the case of widespread breeding birds, a breeding bird survey will be the natural next step. Organising an assessment will guarantee that no laws relating to bird conservation will be broken, and it demonstrates compliance and adherence of planning policies to the relevant local planning authority. A survey may also be a planning condition, and due to that, having it completed will play a pivotal role in obtaining planning consent and moving the project forward.
Breeding Bird Survey Methodology
A breeding bird survey (BBS) focuses on the abundance, distribution and presence of bird breeding populations in the affected area of a development site. The assessment can only be carried out between April and June, and it involves at least three site visits within this timeframe, ideally with one in April, one in May and one in June. In an assessment of a site, the survey methods are based on geographical population trends and the British Trust for Ornithology’s strategic breeding bird survey (BBS) requirements.
During the first site visit in April, an ecological consultant will map out particular species of the UK’s common breeding birds in the vicinity and set out survey transects. The ecologist will then freshly count breeding populations across future visits in May and June based on the details of the existing transects and BBS routes. Any population changes will be recorded, and the BBS data will point the ecological consultant towards any changes that need to be made to protect birds and continue the main scheme.
For an ecologist to allow a development to continue without unnecessarily harming breeding birds, mitigation measures for the survey area and survey design must be created. Examples include:
- Avoiding specific parts of the development site
- Creating new habitat areas for birds to occupy
- Ensuring adequate maintenance, protection and monitoring of important habitats
- Providing artificial nesting sites such as bird boxes, ledges and cup nests
- Remove habitat features when they are not in use, such as outside of nesting season
- Staging development works outside of the breeding season between March and August
Breeding Bird Survey Report
Not long after an assessment has been completed, a breeding bird survey report will be created. It will include information about the survey process, details about breeding birds on the site, results from the inspection, and mitigation and compensation measures enabling the development to continue with consideration for listed birds.
As with all reports created for ecological surveys, it can then be passed on to the local planning authority. The data from the site and the insights from the ecological consultant will play a significant role in demonstrating that any concerns surrounding breeding birds have been addressed and that no reasons are left to deny a successful planning application.
Further Surveys
Whenever vegetation clearance or construction work is set to be conducted outside of breeding bird season, no further assessments should be necessary to support planning.
If, however, works need to be carried out during breeding season, a nesting bird check will be needed for an ecological consultant to monitor and manage the process, ensuring the safety of present wild birds.
Breeding Bird Survey Guidance
Our ecology team has a combination of experienced professionals and young talent, giving our clients a mix of effective and proven methodology alongside the latest updates and a fresh perspective on undertaking ecological services. Arbtech is recognised as the UK’s number one ecology consultancy, and for that reason, developers up and down the country trust us to manage breeding bird surveys and other types of assessments, all with the end goal of bypassing any constraints in the way and getting you planning.
For years, we’ve been servicing clients all over the British Isles with surveys for breeding birds, other protected species, invasive plant species, biodiversity net gain (BNG), trees and practically any other obstacle that would otherwise lead to delays, fines and possibly even issues with completing development projects. Each ecological consultant in our team has the qualifications, licensing and technical ability to work with you and ensure that you have everything you need to find success in your development.
Starting Your Breeding Bird Survey
To start the process of arranging a breeding bird survey with Arbtech, you will need to speak to our team directly and give us details about your site and project. You can do this using the form above, by visiting our contact page, or by calling or emailing our friendly team. After taking down your details, we will send you a free quote for you to consider, and once we’ve confirmed you’re happy with it, we can decide on a date to undertake the breeding bird assessment that works within your planning schedule.
Many different bird species and widespread breeding birds can suffer impacts as a result of planning, from a red kite to a peregrine falcon, a kingfisher to a barn owl, and many more. You can only confirm that your development won’t disturb common breeding birds and local bird populations by organising a breeding bird survey. Once the necessary assessments have been completed, you will be able to fall in line with relevant legislation and see your project move into future stages.