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Development
and Birds
Contents
Introduction 1-2
EIA and birds 3-4
Appropriate assessments 5-6
Powerline collision studies 7-8
Windfarm assessments 9-10
Upland bird surveys 11-12
River bird surveys 13-14
Coastal surveys 15-16
Greenfield development and birds 17-18
Brownfield development and birds 19-20
Building renovation and conservation 21-22
Creating habitats for birds 23
Designed by Featherfire Design.
Images - Peter Gateley, Tim Ross, Mike Walker, Rachel Hayward, Richard Catling, Paul M. Hill and Bill Aspin.
Copyright of TEP except where indicated on image.
Front cover - Frodsham sub-station, Cheshire.
IntroductionPage 2Page 1
This booklet describes how birds might be affected by development. It includes
case studies from TEP's experience in different locations. We hope it will help
developers, planners and designers understand ornithological constraints and
plan positively for development and birds.
Britain is home to hundreds of bird species, and also provides a winter refuge for
many which breed in the arctic circle.
Many of Britain's birds are under threat; from climate change, agricultural activity
and sometimes from development. UK environmental policy now has a clear focus
on protecting and increasing bird populations.
Many types of development, from upland wind farms to city-centre regeneration,
can affect birds. Planning authorities often require developers to assess impacts on
birds and to implement mitigation measures.
Different development situations require different ornithological assessment
techniques. This booklet introduces these techniques and provides case studies for
urban, greenfield, wetland, coastal and upland development scenarios.
The once common house sparrow is now listed on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as a conservation priority.
TEP’s ornithology team is part of a larger group of environmental
professionals specialising in ecology, EIA, landscape design and
management. This ensures that our advice forms part of an integrated
approach to biodiversity and development.
The corn bunting, a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species that continues to decline largely due to changes
in agricultural practices.
TEP's provides the expertise needed to help developers meet their
objectives while protecting birds.
Our surveyors are skilled in a variety of ornithological survey techniques
appropriate to different development environments. We use rigorous and
scientific data analysis, which can withstand robust scrutiny from regulators
and objectors. We provide practical guidance to developers about how
birds can be protected and managed during development. We prepare
designs and management statements needed to discharge planning
conditions.
TEP discuss the scope of ornithology surveys with the local planning authority and
statutory consultees. Field and desktop surveys identify whether any birds of
conservation concern are present on the site. We assess the significance of the
population and the potential impacts arising from the development. If there is a
significant impact on a locally or regionally important population of birds there is
usually a requirement for mitigation. These measures might include timings of site
works and provision of alternative habitat on or near the site.
The EIA process is iterative, so TEP works with developers and planners during the
design process to minimise impacts. TEP prepares information for the
Environmental Statement ensuring that it complies with the relevant regulations,
allowing an accurate and defensible assessment of impact. For controversial
developments, the EIA is often subject to close scrutiny at public inquiry and TEP's
ecologists are familiar with providing Expert Witness services.
Page 3
TEP was commissioned by Astral Developments
to advise on the ecological implications of
proposals for a rail-served warehousing and
inter-modal facility at the former Parkside
Colliery, Newton-Le-Willows.
An initial appraisal and preliminary research
identified the need for a breeding bird survey
of the site since a range of interesting bird
habitats were present on the site, notably
extensive areas of farmland. A number of
important species associated with these
habitats were recorded including grey
partridge, tree sparrow, skylark and barn owl;
all meriting consideration in the EIA.
TEP advised on detailed management
objectives to benefit birds, including provision
of a large area of open grassland and an
extensive tree planting scheme and a network
of waterbodies.
The significance of the bird population was
considered in the EIA, with the Environmental
Statement containing a detailed assessment
of the proposals in terms of birds practised in
the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
Parkside Strategic Rail Freight Interchange, Merseyside
Case Study
Page 4
EIA and
birds
© Sue Tranter
Tree sparrow
The UK Government has a statutory requirement to maintain or achieve “Favourable Conservation
Status” for birds in European sites of importance (Special Protection Areas). Many British SPAs
are along the coast or in upland or wetland situations. Before detailed scheme development it is
necessary to meet the local planning authority and the statutory nature conservation body e.g.
Natural England/CCW and agree the scope of assessment. Field surveys may be needed.
The first stage of an Appropriate Assessment is to identify if the development can be managed or
designed so as to avoid impact. If impact is unavoidable then there may be scope for mitigation
through design and timing of development. In certain situations development may be allowed
even where it has an adverse effect on integrity of the SPA. In all situations a rigorous and
formulaic process of reporting is required in order to comply with European legislation.
Any mitigation or compensation proposals must be carefully thought through to guarantee that
they will be effective and implementable. This often requires protracted negotiation between
developers, planners, nature conservation bodies and land owners. Skilled negotiation can
identify pro-active solutions which meet the needs of all parties and enable development while
safeguarding birds of European importance.
Page 5
TEP was commissioned to assess the
ornithological impact of the permanent
installation, by Anthony Gormley, of 100
human-size sculptures at Crosby Foreshore.
The Crosby Foreshore is a part of the Ribble and
Alt Estuaries Special Protection Area so a report
was prepared by TEP to provide the basis for
Sefton Council to carry out an Appropriate
Assessment.
The focus of the report was the potential for
visitors to disturb feeding waders, particularly
bar-tailed godwit and sanderling which occur
in internationally important numbers within the
SPA. A key recommendation from the report
was to avoid installing statues within two
principal feeding areas on the lower shore.
Other proposed mitigation included a long
term monitoring programme and promoting
increased public awareness concerning the
protection of the birds which use the Crosby
shore.
TEPs report required detailed analysis of bird
records from 1985 onwards. Following a
period of intense negotiation with Natural
England, Sefton Council granted permission for
the sculptures subject to the conditions
proposed by TEP
Another Place, Crosby Shore
Case Study
Page 6
Appropriate
assessments
Another Place, Crosby Shore
Some larger birds, especially waterfowl, are vulnerable to collisions with
overhead powerlines. This is a particular problem where powerlines cross
migration or feeding routes or roosting areas used by waterfowl.
When planning new overhead lines it is important to build up a thorough picture of
bird movements. This often requires a series of vantage points surveys at different
times of the day, including dawn and dusk. Once a full picture of bird movement
patterns is established, it may be possible to align the overhead route to minimise
collision vulnerability.
Powerline
collision
studies
Page 7
TEP was commissioned by National Grid to
assess the ecological implications of
construction of an overhead line along the
Wyre Estuary SSSI, a part of the Morecambe
Bay Special Protection Area (SPA).
Consultations with Natural England and the
RSPB confirmed that pink-footed geese would
be the primary target species. The pink-footed
goose is a species of key importance in the
Morecambe Bay SPA between September and
early April. A preliminary study identified
periods of peak flight activity across the
proposed overhead line route.
Following this, a vantage point survey was
undertaken during the winter to provide the
necessary information for a collision impact
study. Using information and records obtained
from the Fylde Bird Club it was possible to
evaluate the impact that the proposed
overhead line would have on the pink-footed
goose population.
Stanah 400kV substation
Fleetwood
Case Study
Page 8
Wyre Estuary, Fylde
Desktop studies are needed at an early stage in windfarm planning. These identify
broad locations of constraint to windfarm developers, allowing them to focus
their more detailed site selection process on areas of lower constraint. In many
cases detailed surveys are required through the year to build a full picture of bird
activity.
Most ornithological impacts can be minimised by siting turbines outside the areas
of peak constraint and also by sensitive construction processes, to ensure that
access routes avoid nesting times and places. Vantage point surveys may be
required to determine flightline information which can be analysed using a
collision risk model which can predict the effect of turbine collision on bird
populations.
Page 9
TEP assisted the Manx Electricity Authority in
identifying potential windfarm sites which met
key requirements of good exposure to wind;
accessibility by road for transportation of
equipment; and locations that could link into the
existing electricity system.
Sites that met the basic requirements were
appraised in relation to strategic development
constraints. These constraints included:
designated sites of nature conservation value;
areas of high landscape value; aircraft flight
zones; areas of land subject to contamination
or subsidence; land allocated for development
and proximity to housing.
Ecology desktop survey results indicated that
one of the preferred sites was used by hen
harriers, a protected bird of prey. Surveys were
undertaken throughout the breeding season
and the presence of nesting hen harriers was
confirmed. This information was incorporated
into the more detailed feasibility assessment
for the preferred sites.
Isle of Man Windfarm
Case Study
Page 10
Windfarm
assessments
© Sean Grey
Rhyl Flats
Britain's uplands provide breeding habitat for a number of important bird species
including hen harriers, peregrine falcons, greenshanks and dotterels, all of which
are legally protected. Many of the upland are protected in the UK Biodiversity
Action Plan. The uplands are also important “stop-off ” locations for migrating
birds during the autumn and the spring.
Large scale development proposals, such as windfarms and powerlines, can affect
extensive areas of upland habitat so it is important that rigorous upland bird
surveys are undertaken to gain insight into the importance of any upland area for
birds. Upland areas are sometimes subject to national or international
designations because of their importance for birds, however, due to a lack in
detailed survey information, further survey is often required to inform impact
assessments.
Page 11
TEP was commissioned by First Investments
Limited to assess the effects of a proposed
helicopter hangar and landing pad on hen
harriers and short-eared owls. The site is near the
Stoney Mountain Plantation, an area known to
be important for hen harriers and short-eared
owls.
The field survey methodology was formulated
by TEP in consultation with The Isle of Man
Government and the Manx Bird Atlas. A vantage
point survey was undertaken covering the
breeding and winter seasons in order to
confirm that each species was present and
determine the precise locations of the nests
and winter roosts. The final breeding bird
survey visit was attended by officers who
ringed the hen harrier young.
Using GIS, a habitat assessment was also
undertaken for the wider locality using aerial
photography. All habitats were evaluated for
hen harrier foraging and nesting value at the
landscape level in order to predict flightlines
between nest sites and foraging areas.
St Marks, Isle of Man
Hen harrier and Short-eared Owl Studies
Case Study
Page 12
Upland bird
surveys
© Peter Hadfield
Hen harrier
TEP was commissioned by National Grid to carry out
a Breeding Bird Survey and River Habitat Survey of
the River Wandle adjacent to the proposed site for a
new 275kW substation in Wimbledon. The bird
survey consisted of two visits to the area, following
the convention of the British Trust for Ornithology's
Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). The River Habitat Survey
mapped a 500m section of the river, following
Environment Agency guidelines.
During the course of the surveys, a pair of kingfishers
was observed on the river 100m south of the
development site. The behaviour of the pair
suggested that they were breeding in the vicinity.
Kingfishers are colourful blue and orange birds that
inhabit slow moving and still water. They are
par t icu lar ly vu lnerable to unsympathet ic
management of watercourses. Kingfishers are
protected under UK law.
TEP advised National Grid on habitat enhancement
measures to incorporate into the necessary bank
establishment works.
Wimbledon Substation.
Breeding Bird and River Habitat Surveys of the River Wandle
Case Study
Kingfishers, grey wagtails and dippers are some of the important bird species
that are closely associated with rivers and streams. Development often occurs
close to rivers, particularly during urban re-development. Prior survey for nest
sites should be co-ordinated with River Corridor Surveys in order to identify
habitats and features of value to birds. When planning development in and near
water it is helpful to incorporate bird-friendly features such as aquatic planting,
nest holes and perching posts.
River bird
surveys
Page 13
Kingfisher
Page 14
Large parts of Britain's coastline are of international importance for birds and this is
reflected in the area of coastline protected by designations including Special
Protection Areas (SPAs) and Ramsar sites. Sections of coastline are usually
protected in this way because they support a particularly large assemblage of
birds during the winter and/or because they support an internationally important
population of a particular bird species at a particular time of year (Applies to bird
species included on Annex I or regularly occurring migratory birds not included in
Annex I of the Wild Birds Directive 79/409/EEC). This can be during the winter or the
spring and autumn migratory periods and in some cases the breeding season can
also be important such as when large tern or gull colonies are present. Coastal
birds can be vulnerable to disturbance when feeding on the shore and particularly
when roosting higher up the shore at high tide.
Page 15
TEP were commissioned by Redford Limited to
determine the implications of residential
development in Derbyhaven village. The
proposed site was an area of grassland and
gorse scrub on the edge of Castletown Links golf
course.
The site is adjacent to the Langness,
Derbyhaven and Sandwick Area of Special
Scientific Interest (ASSI) which is designated for
birds. The ASSI is particularly important for its
waders and wildfowl and also the choughs
which regularly forage in seaweed on the
Sandwick shore.
A range of potential ecological impacts were
considered including disturbance to shore
feeding birds, habitat loss and changes in water
quality in the Derbyhaven Bay. TEP also
presented evidence at a public inquiry.
Derbyhaven, Isle of Man
Case Study
Page 16
Coastal bird
surveys
Choughs, The Lizard
The ornithological value of greenfield sites can vary greatly with some sites, such as
intensively managed lowland pasture, being of very little value for birds and other
sites, such as mixed farmland, being of high importance. Greenfield land such as
farmland comprises a large proportion of the British countryside and many bird
species associated with this habitat have declined steeply in recent years due to
unfavourable management practices. Breeding bird surveys and winter bird
surveys are needed to assess the level of interest and identify mitigation
proposals.
Page 17
TEP advised on the ecological implications of
proposals for commercial development on this
large site in Warrington owned by English
Partnerships.
A breeding bird survey identified a range of
interesting bird habitats on the site. A winter
bird survey was subsequently undertaken and
important farmland bird species such as
skylark, fieldfare, linnet and lapwing were
recorded. Several of these are prioritised in the
UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
A Phase 1 Habitat survey, a series of amphibian
surveys and a water vole survey were also
carried out.
TEP provided advice to benefit birds, including
improved management of adjacent farmland as
well as recommendations for a tree-planting
scheme and the retention of areas of key
habitat such as open grassland, hedgerows and
wetlands.
Omega Strategic Site, Warrington
Case Study
Page 18
Greenfield
development
and birds
© Sue Tranter
Lapwing
Government planning policy favours the development of brownfield land. Many
bird species are associated with brownfield land, including starlings, house
sparrows, skylarks and black redstarts. These species are of conservation
importance due to recent national declines. Some species, such as the black
redstart, are specifically protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the
highest level of protection afforded to birds in the UK.
Ornithologists can quickly identify spatial and temporal constraints to
development within brownfield sites and provide advice concerning
development layout and mitigation proposals. Ecology supervision may also be
needed during the construction period to allow development to proceed near
sensitive areas or during key periods such as the bird nesting season.
Page 19
Black Redstarts are rare and highly protected
birds within the UK. This bird has adapted to
derelict buildings with sparse vegetation and
piles of rubble that mimic its optimum habitat
of cliffs and scree slopes in the Alps. There are
now small populations of black redstart in a few
English cities, including Manchester.
TEP was commissioned to carry out a number of
black redstart surveys in Greater Manchester in
2007 by clients such as Artisan Construction
Group, UAD Group, and Manchester Schools
Framework. Constant consultation with Greater
Manchester Ecology Unit (GMEU) resulted in
t h e s e s u r v e y s u s i n g t h e o p t i m u m
methodologies, both in terms of likelihood of
bird detection and cost effectiveness. Typically
two point count surveys were undertaken
during the most active periods of the breeding
season, with the number of surveys increased
or reduced according to habitat suitability.
A number of recommendations were made to
enhance habitat for this species, such as
installing brown roofs on new developments.
This is a simple, environmentally friendly way of
recycling building materials on site and creating
a non-intrusive habitat for a range of species
including black redstart.
Black Redstarts
Case Study
Page 20
Brownfield
development
and birds
© Graham Catley
Black Redstart
Building renovation, refurbishment and conservation works are a common
development activity, particularly in areas of urban regeneration. Large houses,
farm buildings and historic buildings can provide important nesting and shelter
habitat for a number of important bird species of conservation concern. Among
these are barn owls, house sparrows, starlings and swallows. In addition to these
there are a large number of other birds which are not of conservation concern but
are legally protected at the nest, such as finches and robins. TEP ornithologists
regularly undertake internal building inspections to identify evidence of bird
nesting activity. TEP can also assist developers in excluding birds from buildings
outside the nesting season, allowing development activities to proceed.
Page 21
TEP was commissioned by English Partnerships to
undertake barn owl and bat surveys at derelict
farm buildings at two sites in Telford. Hadley Park
and Nedge were subsequently visited by TEP's
barn owl and bat specialist who recorded
evidence of barn owl occupation on both sites.
This evidence included barn owl droppings and
pellets and barn owl sightings.
Barn owl surveys are often requested by local
authorit ies for barn conversions and
restoration projects to comply with the legal
protection from which this species benefits.
The early identification of these barn owl sites
allowed English Partnerships to incorporate an
effective barn owl mitigation scheme into the
development proposals for Hadley Park and
Nedge.
Hadley Park & Nedge in Telford -
Barn Owl Surveys
Case Study
Page 22
Building
renovation
and
conservation
Derelict buildings, Hadley Park, Telford
TEP has provided ornithology services to the following clients:
Scottish Power
National Grid
United Utilities
Nilo Energy
Peel Holdings
Manchester Airport Developments
English Partnerships
Waterman CPM
Balfour Beatty
Astral Developments
Arcadis Geraghty and Miller International
Land Restoration Trust
Redford Limited
Lambert Smith Hampton
Sefton Council
Liverpool Biennial
Warwick University
Morris Homes North
Persimmon Homes Lancashire
Gladedale Northwest
CB Richard Ellis
First Investments
Artisan Construction
Howells Group plc
There are many ways that habitats can be created or managed to improve conditions
for birds; on both large and small developments.
The creative choice of native and berry-bearing plants in a development's landscape
scheme, coupled with provision of nest boxes on trees and buildings, can encourage
birdlife close to property.
On bigger developments, sometimes it is necessary to create dedicated wildlife
areas. TEP's landscape architects are highly experienced in creation of new
woodlands, wetlands and grasslands.
At the former Avenue Coking Works in Chesterfield, TEP was appointed by East
Midlands Development Agency to design a complex of washlands and meadows in a
river valley and on former railsidings. A stream was partly impounded and pasture
flooded to encourage reeds and marshy grassland for warblers and waders. Shingle
beds were created to encourage the litt le ringed plover. The scheme won a Brit ish
Trust for Ornithology Award and has now been handed over to Derbyshire Wildlife
Trust.
Page 23
Creating
habitats for
birds
The TEP ornithologists working at the Bidston Docks on the Wirral
Wetland creation area at The Avenue, Derbyshire (before and one year later)