Planning a development project in Scotland during the autumn or winter months? If your site includes wetland, coastal, or open farmland habitats, you may be required to conduct a wintering bird survey. These surveys are essential for ensuring that your project does not negatively impact protected migratory or overwintering bird species.
At EP Ecology, we specialise in wintering bird surveys in Scotland, helping developers, planners, and local authorities stay compliant with wildlife legislation while moving projects forward with confidence.
In this guide, we explain:
- When wintering bird surveys are triggered
- What they involve
- The legal context
- How to plan your project timeline around them
- Why early consultation is crucial
What Is a Wintering Bird Survey?
A wintering bird survey assesses the presence, abundance, and behaviour of bird species using a site during the non-breeding season. These surveys are particularly important in Scotland, where overwintering populations of ducks, geese, swans, waders, and gulls are often supported by wetland, farmland, and coastal habitats.
Winter bird surveys typically include multiple monthly site visits between October and March, using standardised methods to assess bird usage..
Why Are Wintering Bird Surveys Required?
Planning regulations in Scotland require developers to consider potential ecological impacts under frameworks such as:
- The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
- The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.,) Regulations 1994
- Scottish Planning Policy (SPP)
If a development is likely to disturb or displace significant numbers of overwintering or migratory birds, surveys are required to:
- Establish a baseline for species presence and activity
- Assess habitat usage (feeding, roosting, movement)
- Inform mitigation strategies or licensing requirements
Common triggers for winter bird surveys include:
- Large housing developments
- Wind or solar farms
- Road schemes or infrastructure projects
- Works near wetlands, coastal areas, or extensive farmland
Ignoring these requirements can delay planning decisions or result in non-compliance with national and EU-level legislation.
When Do Wintering Bird Surveys Take Place in Scotland?
What is the Winter Survey Season?
The core survey window for wintering birds is November to February, with most projects requiring three to four monthly visits during this period.
Extended surveys may run from September through March, particularly when a site may attract passage migrants such as migrating waders or geese.
Key Survey Timing Summary:
Visit Frequency: Monthly or bi-weekly depending on project scale and habitat type
Core Winter Months: November, December, January and February
Extended Period (if needed): September, October and March
What Triggers the Need for a Wintering Bird Survey?
1. Development Type
You may need a survey if your development includes:
- Wind farms or large solar installations
- Major residential schemes
- Infrastructure or transport projects
- Agricultural intensification
2. Proximity to Key Habitats
Sites near or within:
- SPAs (Special Protection Areas)
- Ramsar Sites
- Wetlands (marshes, lochs, estuaries)
- Farmland used by migratory species
3. Species Sensitivity
If the site is known to support or lies within a flyway of:
- Pink-footed or greylag geese
- Whooper swans
- Wigeon, teal, or pintail
- Curlew, redshank, golden plover
…it is highly likely that a winter bird survey will be requested by the Local Planning Authority.
What Does a Wintering Bird Survey Involve?
Surveys are led by our trained ornithologists and is similar to a breeding bird survey.
The process includes:
- Desk-based study of existing bird data
- Walkover or vantage point surveys
- Mapping of bird flocks and activity zones
- Recording behaviours (feeding, roosting, flightlines)
- Monthly reporting and data analysis
Survey Methods Used:
- Wetland Bird Survey-Style Counts: For wetlands and coastal areas
- Transect Walks: For farmland or inland habitats
- Vantage Point Counts: For wide open landscapes (e.g. upland wind farms)
Case Study: Winter Bird Surveys in Renfrewshire
EP Ecology recently conducted wintering bird surveys for a proposed solar energy site in Renfrewshire. The site was situated near to a Special Protection Area for Whooper Swans. We carried out fortnightly visits between November and May, observing a range of species including lapwing, barn owl and whooper swans.
We provided detailed maps, risk assessments, and mitigation proposals. As a result, the developer secured planning consent without delays.
How to Prepare for a Wintering Bird Survey
Timing is everything. Missing the winter survey window could result in waiting a full year to gather data, leading to substantial delays.
Key planning steps:
- Consult with an ecologist by early autumn (August-September)
- Commission surveys to begin October-November
- Allow time for reporting and potential follow-up visits
Tip: Add “Wintering Bird Survey” to your early-stage ecological checklist alongside Preliminary Ecological Appraisals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Possibly not, unless it’s located near sensitive habitats or supports large flocks of birds. Speak to our ecologists to assess your site.
No. Wintering birds are only present from autumn to early spring. Surveys outside these months won’t capture relevant data. However, in the spring and summer months, surveys are often required for migratory or breeding bird species.
Not necessarily. Most projects proceed with appropriate mitigation, such as buffer zones, habitat enhancement, or adjusted timings.
Related Services from EP Ecology
Book a Wintering Bird Survey in Scotland
EP Ecology offers professional wintering bird surveys in East Kilbride, Glasgow and across Scotland. Our licensed ecologists deliver accurate, fast reporting that keeps your project compliant and on track.
Call us on 01355 457577
Email info@careful-sapphire-emu.185-220-60-54.cpanel.site