Barn Owl Surveys...

To avoid unnecessary delays we suggest consideration to the need for barn owl surveys be given at the earliest stages of planning. Barn Owls, their eggs and young are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) in response to an estimated 70% decline since the 1930s. All birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law; and in addition it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb a nesting barn owl.

Working closely with clients, each project is issued with a Lead Ecologist who is here to help guide you through your project, whether it be for residential or commercial development, utilities works, road schemes, renewable energy builds, maintenance, we are here to help. We believe firmly in the development of a strong client relationship and will guide you through the needs of the planning authorities and protective species legislation.

We offer;

• Barn Owl Habitat Suitability Assessments
• Barn Owl Activity Surveys
• Barn Owl Relocation
• Reporting and Protected Species Licence Applications
• Method Statements & Mitigation Strategies
• Habitat Management Plans

Following completion of a survey, a report is produced, detailing not only the survey methodology and results but also mitigation measures and licensing requirements if required. This report would be suitable for submission with a planning application. If required we offer effective approaches to mitigating for the loss of barn owl roost and/or nest sites and aim to provide cost effective solutions to barn owl mitigation within barns, trees and buildings proposed for development.

Through the application of detailed up to the minute survey work, concise reporting and the implementation of proportionate mitigation and recommendations, we provide a bespoke affordable service on time, every time. We pride ourselves on our understanding of current legislation and good practice guidelines, and aim to provide proportionate solutions and recommendations in every instance. Our surveyors are proficient in current industry standards ensuring surveys and reports meet the stringent requirements of the planning authorities.

Our company policy ensures that only surveyor’s proficient in the surveying of barn owls will be deployed to conduct such surveys and in an effort to reduce costs, if required, barn owl surveys will be conducted in conjunction with bat building/tree surveys within the same site.

We offer cost effective ideas on how to enhance areas of mitigation through the introduction of barn owl boxes and grassland management. We enjoy working closely with clients and their selected landscape and/or architectural team and offer a friendly approachable service.  Providing a care package for ongoing maintenance, we can further ensure peace of mind in regard to on-site ecology.

It should be noted that barn owls have been recorded breeding in all months of the year and surveys to establish a structure/tree’s potential to support barn owl can be conducted at any time. Should evidence of breeding barn owl be recorded it may, however, be necessary to conduct further surveys in order to establish the details of on-site mitigation although this will be assessed on a case by case basis.

If you would like to discuss the need or not for a Barn Owl Survey, looking for some advice or the need or not for a licence why not contact us today to discuss the details with a member of the team.

With projects extending across the South, core areas of work include Kent, Sussex, Surrey, London, Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Bucks, Hertfordshire, Essex, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall… we are here to help.

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