In the UK, wintering bird surveys (also called non-breeding bird surveys) are typically conducted from October through to March, with the core survey period running from November to February. During this time, our team make multiple monthly visits to sites to record all bird species present, their numbers, behaviour and how they use habitats for feeding, roosting and sheltering — evidence that cannot be reliably collected outside of these months.
These surveys are vital for understanding how sites are used by overwintering and migratory species. Many birds that breed in colder regions such as northern Europe and Russia relocate to the milder UK climate over winter, making the country an internationally important refuge. Mapping where these birds feed, rest and move helps inform sensitive site design and planning decisions, particularly where areas like wetlands, estuaries and coastal regions are concerned.
Winter surveys are designed to capture:
While the dawn chorus may be a thing of summer, winter surveys involve scanning frosty fields, listening for wingbeats through hedgerows, navigating muddy ground and observing fleeting flocks of birds. It’s a different pace from the breeding season, but the data gathered at this time of year is just as essential.
For development sites, winter bird data is often a key requirement of planning submissions. If your project lies near sensitive sites such as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Ramsar wetlands, or if internationally important wildfowl or water birds may be present, winter survey results can be essential inputs to Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). These assessments help to ensure compliance with legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and reduce the risk of delays or additional requirements later in the planning process.
Commissioning winter bird surveys at the right time ensures your project supports rather than harms vital winter habitats, helps to identify ecological constraints early and avoids surprises further down the line.
If you’ve realised your project needs a winter bird survey and haven’t yet booked it in, now is the time to act. We only have limited availability left in our diary between now and the end of the season in mid-March, and demand is always high at this stage of the year. Getting in touch soon gives us the best chance of fitting your surveys in and keeping your project on track.
So, if your site may require winter bird surveys, don’t delay. Speak to the team at Baker Consultants today by emailing info@bakerconsultants.co.uk or calling 01629 593 958.