Nesting Bird Checks

Many proposed development sites have the potential to support breeding birds, for example within a building to be demolished or converted, or within a tree or hedgerow which is due for removal.

In these instances, a Nesting Bird Check will be required prior to work commencing to ensure that there is not an active nest present when works take place. Such checks are often found Conditioned onto a Planning Decision.

Long-eared owl nest (courtesy Gray Images)
Twite nest (courtesy Gray Images)

Gray Ecology can undertake these checks for you, providing advice on what species is present and an estimation of how much longer it is likely to be before the chicks have fledged and work can commence.

The Legal Bit

The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) provides protection for barn owls and most other wild bird species in England, Scotland and Wales. The eggs and nests (whilst in use or being built) of most bird species are also protected. Specifically, under Part 1, Section 1 (1), it is an offence to intentionally:

  • Kill, injure or take any wild bird.
  • Take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built.
  • Take or destroy an egg of any wild bird

Barn owls and other Schedule 1 Birds are also protected from disturbance when nesting.