Birds

There are approximately 250 species of breeding bird in the UK. Many of these species reside here throughout the year, but there are also other species which migrate to the UK to breed or to escape colder climates.

Birds breed almost anywhere, so nests can be found in varying locations, including on bare ground or in woodland. The breeding season is mostly March to July, but some species nest earlier or later in the year.

Protection

Many of the best sites for breeding birds in the UK are within designated sites which are already protected, two examples of which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and National Nature Reserves (NNRs).

Outside of the protected locations there are three levels of protection that apply to birds depending on their conservation status:

Those listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 are protected from disturbance (intenionally or recklessly) while they are breeding.
The 49 species listed as Species of Principal Importance in England (under S41) of the NERC Act) are protected by local planning authorities as a matter of government policy, from the adverse effects of development works.
All species (including Schedule 1 and UKBAP species) are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any species of wild bird, or to take, damage or destroy their nests or eggs.

Almost all development sites have the potential to support nesting birds, due to the wide variety of species and great numbers of wild birds in the UK.

Mitigation

Harming or killing adult birds does not normally happen on development sites because they are able to escape, but birds' nests, eggs and nestlings are vulnerable. If nests are present on site then they will have to be protected until the birds have fledged. Therefore the easiest solution is to undertake development works including vegetation clearance and demolition during late Summer through to late Winter.

It is also important to note that a small numebr of rare bird species re-use their nests, meaning that their nests are protected even when they are not occupied.

Habitat Maintenance

Trees and hedgerows should be kept where possible. Any newly landscaped areas or created buildings can also be designed to benefit birds. Existing hedges which are cut less often would support more birds and wildlife than regularly cut box hedges would.

Green roofs can be used in brownfield sites where native vegetation is sparse.

Landscapes can be enhanced in the following ways to improve conditions for birds:

Encouraging growth of areas of long grass, but also maintaining areas of short grass to provide foraging opportunities for different species.
Introducing wet areas which birds can use for drinking or collecting mud for nest building.
Planting native trees, hedges and bushes. These will provide places for the birds to build nests, and will provide insects and berries for foraging.
Installing nest boxes on trees and new buildings.

if you are planning development works in areas which support breeding birds, please call us for further information.