Protected Species | Birds

Peak Ecology has specialist ornithologists experienced in undertaking a variety of bird surveys for small to large-scale developments throughout the UK.

Protection and Ecology

With such a diverse range of habitats for birds in the UK, habitats play host to a large number of resident and migratory bird species throughout the year. From coastal mudflats to upland moors, birds are noted to breed, forage and overwinter in all UK habitats. In the UK, wild resident or European migrant birds, and their nests and eggs, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) during the breeding bird season. Game birds (with some exceptions) are not included and are protected under the Game Act (1931), which fully protect them during the closed season. The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) provides additional protection from disturbance whilst breeding to species listed on Schedule 1 of the Act, which include barn owl, peregrine falcon, kingfisher and little ringed plover.

Services

  • Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
  • Wintering Bird Surveys (WBS)
  • Breeding wader surveys
  • Raptor surveys
  • Barn owl surveys
  • Schedule 1 species survey
  • Nightjar survey
  • Wetland Birds Surveys (WeBS)
  • Woodland Point Counts

Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) are the most frequently required bird surveys, which are undertaken during spring and summer. On some sites, where significant suitable overwintering habitat is identified, winter bird surveys may be a requirement, in some cases year-round surveys are necessary. Species-specific surveys are a requirement usually where Schedule 1 species may be present, such as barn owl within a proposed barn conversion or peregrine breeding on the cliff face of a quarry. Alternatively, potential impacts on a Special Protection Area (SPA) or designated site with particular bird interest may also warrant species-specific surveys.

Peak Ecology have extensive experience when it comes to bird work, ranging from surveys of barns for barn owl on small developments, to a variety of generic and species-specific surveys on large development projects including pipelines, wind farms, housing schemes and new road schemes.

Peak Ecology has ornithologists in-house with experience of surveying across a broad range of habitats in lowland and upland England. Our ornithologists also have Schedule 1 licences to survey for barn owl in England and are experienced in surveying all building types and trees for this species. They also have experience of species-specific surveys for a range of species such as nightjar, woodlark, peregrine and little ringed plover. In addition, we have a range of sub-contractors available to assist when required; our sub-contractors work to the same high standards as we do.

Timing

Timing for bird surveys can be crucial; the Table below includes a selection of generic and species-specific surveys and timings.

If you are interested in any of our services, don’t hesitate to contact us >>