Coastal and offshore bird survey

Breeding birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This makes it an offence to intentionally kill or injure any wild bird or to damage or destroy any active birds nest or its eggs. Furthermore, bird species listed on Schedule 1 of the Act are afforded additional protection from wilful or reckless disturbance at an active nest site or whilst adults are with dependant young (such as Arctic Tern, Roseate Tern and Peregrine Falcon).  The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects birds up to 12 nautical miles from shore and beyond that up to 200 nautical miles they are protected under Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Burton Reid can provide expert advice on the requirement for birds survey in relation to coastal and offshore activities/developments.  If required, Burton Reid has the expertise in planning and carrying out surveys of coastal birds (i.e. waders and wildfowl) as well as more complex vessel-based surveys of birds offshore.