BEWARE THE BIRDS!

Nesting season is just weeks away, and failure to comply can lead to costly and lengthy development delays. Holly Smith, head of our Environmental team, explains… 

Whether you see January as that interminable period between Christmas and lighter nights, or a fresh new start, the good news is that Spring is around the corner, and it’s time to turn our attention to our tweeting feathered friends.

Bird nesting season typically runs from 1st March until 31st August (Natural England and RSPB), and in order to protect them it is recommended that vegetation works or site clearance are completed outside of these dates to avoid infringement of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and breaching the European Habitats Directive 1992/Nesting Birds Directive. 

Failure to comply could delay development programmes until after nesting birds have fledged, often meaning vegetation removal can be postponed by months.

In some circumstances, when vegetation, such as a hedgerow, cannot be removed prior to the bird breeding season, it may be appropriate to try and prevent birds from nesting through installation of netting prior to the nesting season starting. Our ecology team can provide further advice. 

For further advice and arrangements, contact the team on 0121 455 9455.

Pic credit: iStock/EstauryPig