Birds
The nests and eggs of most British wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and some species, for example barn owl, are specially protected whilst nesting or whilst with dependent young. The presence of even widespread and abundant nesting species can therefore impose significant seasonal constraints on pre-construction site clearance.
Requirements for baseline survey may be greater on some types of development - for instance wind-farms. Considerations here would include whether the site lies on a known bird migration route or near an important bird site designated for its concentration of breeding, migratory or wintering wildfowl, or birds of prey. In such instances, there may be a requirement for a full season of survey before an impact assessment can be compiled and a planning application submitted.
Our specialist in-house ornithologists undertake surveys using a full range of available techniques, and provide advice to developers on the likely impacts of schemes as diverse as housing, leisure, airports and wind energy.