As professionals dedicated to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we must understand our role in safeguarding nesting birds.
Importance of Protecting Nesting Birds
Birds play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. They help in seed dispersal, pollination, and pest control. Protecting nesting birds ensures the preservation of these ecological functions.
Understanding the Bird Nesting Season
The bird nesting season in the UK officially runs from February until August, with the peak nesting period occurring from March to July. However, nesting can start earlier or extend later depending on weather conditions and bird species.
Key Points on Bird Nesting Season
- Natural England defines the bird nesting season as February to August.
- The busiest time for nesting is from March 1 to July 31.
- Climate change has caused some bird species to nest up to a month earlier compared to the 1960s.
- Birds nest to provide shelter and warmth for eggs to incubate and a safe place for hatchlings to grow.
- Common nesting locations include trees, shrubbery, gutters, chimneys, ledges, cavities in buildings, roofs, and solar panels.
Legal Protection for Nesting Birds
It is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to intentionally damage or destroy an active nest or disturb nesting birds, eggs, or chicks. Penalties can include unlimited fines and up to 6 months in prison. All nesting birds, their eggs, and nests are protected by law year-round. Extra care must be taken when accessing work sites to avoid disturbing ground nests.
Practical Measures for Protection
To comply with these regulations and protect nesting birds, several practical measures can be taken.
Pre-work Surveys
If vegetation work needs to be done during the nesting season, a pre-work survey by a competent person is required to confirm no nesting birds will be disturbed. It is strongly recommended to conduct such work outside the nesting period to prevent disturbance.
Recommended Timing for Vegetation Work
Whenever possible, schedule vegetation work outside the nesting season, typically from September to January. This minimises the risk of disturbing active nests and ensures compliance with legal protections.
RSS Infrastructure’s Approach to Nesting Season
RSS Infrastructure Ltd, an infrastructure company, takes extensive measures to protect nesting birds during the nesting season, which typically runs from February to August in the UK.
Overview of RSS Infrastructure
RSS Infrastructure’s Ecology Division conducts detailed nesting bird surveys for various projects. These surveys are critical for identifying active nests and ensuring that rail infrastructure projects do not disturb nesting birds.
Detailed Nesting Bird Surveys
One notable project is the “Nesting Bird Surveys of Brent Canal” for the Canal & River Trust. These surveys help in planning and executing projects without violating legal protections for nesting birds.
Compliance with Environmental Regulations
The company recognises the legal protection for nesting birds under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which prohibits intentionally damaging or destroying active nests, eggs, or disturbing nesting birds. RSS Infrastructure employs experienced teams to conduct pre-work surveys to identify and avoid disturbing active nests.
Successful Projects During Nesting Season
RSS Infrastructure has successfully navigated the challenges of nesting season compliance for projects like the Ocker Hill Vegetation Clearance, Birmingham New Street Vegetation Clearance, and Vegetation Clearance for Skanska Bridge. By conducting thorough nesting bird surveys, adhering to legal protections, and employing experienced teams, RSS Infrastructure aims to balance projects with responsible environmental practices during the sensitive nesting season.
Conclusion
Protecting nesting birds is essential for maintaining ecological balance and complying with legal requirements. By understanding the nesting season, conducting pre-work surveys, and scheduling work outside the nesting period, we can safeguard our feathered friends.
Contact Ecology Services
For reliable project delivery, contact us today at 0330 113 0004. Our experienced Ecology Services team, led by Alex Blundell, is ready to assist on your next project.
