Wintering Bird
Surveys
Surveys that record the birds using your site over winter, supporting planning applications near wetlands, estuaries and designated sites.
What is a wintering bird survey?
Some sites are important for birds outside the breeding season, particularly wildfowl and waders that overwinter in the UK. A wintering bird survey records the species present and how a development could affect them.
Surveys usually run over the winter period, typically from November to February, with regular visits. They are often needed for sites close to estuaries, wetlands or designated sites such as SPAs and Ramsar sites.
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1
Winter visits Nov to Feb
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2
Assessment
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3
Reporting
Why you need a wintering bird survey
Where a development site is near or on terrestrial habitats that have the potential to support non-breeding priority bird populations, and impacts cannot be discounted, your Local Planning Authority or a statutory consultee may require a wintering bird survey.
Experienced ornithologists
Our ornithologists know which species and numbers matter to your planning authority, so survey effort is proportionate to your site.
Planned around your timeline
We plan survey visits early around your planning programme, so results are ready when your application needs them.
Evidence & mitigation
We provide the survey evidence and mitigation your LPA and consultees need.
Wintering bird FAQs
When can wintering bird surveys be done?
Over the winter period, typically November to February.
Why do I need one?
To establish which birds use the site and, if required, inform a proportionate mitigation strategy to support a planning application.
How many visits are needed?
Usually monthly visits across the season, tailored to the site. We will confirm a proportionate design.
What if important species are found?
We assess the effects and set out mitigation so the development can proceed appropriately.
Ready to discuss your project?
Our ecologists will review your site details and respond within one working day with a clear, no-obligation quote.