Breeding Bird Surveys and Checks

A one day course covering legislation on breeding birds and undertaking breeding bird surveys.

The course aims to provide a baseline for breeding bird surveys and checks on sites. It will cover the relevant legislation and its interpretation and definitions; how this translates into practice, site inspections and approaches; a review of species and habitats that are commonly encountered; understanding of breeding cycles and seasonal timing; what constitutes disturbance and Schedule 1 Species. Exemptions, Licensing, Enforcement. Reporting, Non-licenced method statements.

Developers, industrial operators and land managers, local authority ecologists and planners, conservation officers and licensing staff within SNCOs or NGOs, students, ecological consultants, environmental managers, wardens, rangers.

Ideally, some familiarity with birds is desirable but is not essential.

• Be aware of the key legislation in relation to breeding birds and its practical application.
• Be confident in undertaking a breeding bird assessment or check.
• Be fully versed with the requirements of a competent and complete report.
• Be able to acknowledge the limitations of the survey and to give appropriate caveats in reports.
• To be confident in advising clients on any time delays or restrictions and the justifications.