Birds

Birds occur and breed in virtually any habitat throughout the UK, including urban areas. Some species, such as the black redstart, breed specifically on brownfield sites. In the UK, the breeding season of most bird species occurs from the beginning of March to the end of July. However, this timescale can vary widely depending on factors such as weather and food supply. Many UK species are residents, occurring throughout the year. Some species migrate during autumn and others arrive at this time to over-winter here.

Legal Protection and UK BAP Status

All wild birds in the UK are protected from killing, injury and taking under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended (WCA). In addition, this legislation makes it an offence to take, damage or destroy a nest while in use or being built, and to take or destroy the eggs of any nesting bird.

Certain species are also listed on Schedule 1 of the WCA. This makes it an additional offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb the adults while they are in and around their nest or intentionally or recklessly disturb their dependent young. Species in this category include; kingfisher, red kite and greenshank. Birds of conservation concern are also included on the Red and Amber lists. Red list species are those of high conservation concern and include common and widespread birds like the house sparrow, starling and skylark. Birds on the Amber list are of medium conservation concern and include; dunnock, barn owl and kestrel.

Some birds of conservation concern are priority species on the UK biodiversity action plan (UKBAP). Priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan are also considered to be Species of Principal Importance for the Conservation of Biodiversity in England under Section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. UKBAP priority species include the song thrush, bullfinch and linnet.

Greenprint Ecology services related to birds

  • Full bird surveys of sites using appropriate methodology: Common Bird Census (CBC), Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS), wintering bird surveys, targeted surveys for specific species – e.g. barn owl, black redstart, etc.
  • Monitoring surveys;
  • Production of and input for written reports;
  • Habitat management and improvements, including mitigation advice;
  • Advice concerning all aspects of bird presence.

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