Established in 2014, RammSanderson are experienced and licenced ornithologists with the capabilities to undertake a wide range of ornithological work.
In the UK birds are protected under national and European legislation and therefore, before and potentially during development, a bird survey may be necessary.
Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) imposes a duty on Planning Authorities to ‘have regard’ for the conservation of biodiversity when considering planning applications.
A part of this is undertaking a bird survey to determine the presence/absence of protected and/or notable bird species, this can include:
- Common Bird Census (CBC) Surveys
- Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
- Wintering Bird Surveys (WBS)
- Wetland Bird Surveys (WeBS)
- Woodland Bird Surveys
- Specialised surveys i.e. Upland Breeding Wader Surveys (Brown and Shepherd)
Experienced Bird Survey Experts
Birds listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) are afforded greater protection. It is an offence to intentionally, or recklessly disturb adults or young at, on, or near an ‘active’ nest.
At RammSanderson, our bird survey specialists have extensive experience surveying specifically for several species, including:
- Barn Owl
- Peregrine Falcon
- Nightjar
- Kingfisher
- Black Redstart
- Little-ringed Plover
Our Comprehensive Bird Survey Services
Our expert team of Ornithologists have experience in undertaking Vantage Point (VP) Surveys and Collision Risk Modelling if required for wind-farm developments, encompassing anything from single-turbine projects to large multiple-turbine projects.
We have extensive experience in undertaking Ornithological Chapters or Ornithological input to Ecology Chapters of Environmental Statements/Environmental Impact Assessments.
Should a development potentially impact protected sites, as part of our bird survey service, we can undertake Appropriate Assessments for Special Protection Areas (SPA) and detailed impact assessments for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Beginning or during construction, developers may find that proposals may impact breeding birds. RammSanderson’s Ornithologists can help to undertake works in a way that causes minimal impact to birds within the locality through the creation of Precautionary Working Method Statements.
Our team will act as Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) on site carrying out a bird survey to include Nesting Bird Checks. This can help to ensure a development does not directly impact any bird species. We can design and create Ornithological Mitigation Plans and carry out post-monitoring of sites. Previously this has included the creation of nest box schemes and the introduction of habitat management techniques to increase the suitability of development for foraging and nesting birds.
Why Choose RammSanderson for Bird Surveys?
Established in 2014, our bird survey service is conducted by experienced and licenced Ornithologists in line with National and International legislation.
Our team provides a comprehensive Bird Survey service, aiding developers in compliance and effective mitigation strategies to ensure the safeguarding of protected species and reduce delays in development.
RammSanderson has a team of experienced consultants ready to carry out Bird Surveys. Get in touch today!