Bird Nesting Season – What it means for construction, works and maintenance

It’s important to understand that during bird nesting season -which is traditionally from March to August – not all work needs to stop. Instead, site owners and companies like ourselves need to take specific measures and extra mitigation to protect, by law “all wild bird species, their eggs and nests”.  

How does Ground Control manage works? 

Our aim is to always put nature first. We assess the requirements of each site, and when needed, our qualified ecologist undertakes surveys and assessments on protected species from great crested newts (GCN) to bats. For the optimal time to complete these surveys, check out our downloadable ‘Ecology Calendar’.   

When considering maintenance and major works in bird nesting season, we: 

• Build knowledge: Through toolbox talks, training and information from our ecologists, we ensure our on-site operatives can spot the signs of birds nesting.  
• Take care with pre-work checks: Our operatives and ecologists take the appropriate level of checks and action that work in line with the latest legislation. For major works, this can include site checks 24 hours before works, performed by a qualified ecologist who check for the signs and evidence of bird nests, and observes the area for any nesting activity.  

If there is no sign of nesting, our works continue, as do our ongoing checks. If birds are nesting in the area, we work with the client to take the appropriate action. This can include programme adjustments, changing the method of work, and leaving the area completely.  

Bird nesting FAQs: What people tend to ask 

Throughout bird nesting season, we receive common questions from our clients and partners: 

• Can works still go ahead? This completely depends on whether or not we can put in place the correct mitigation and avoid disturbing the nest and birds. Some works, when there is a risk to safety and infrastructure, may still need to proceed.  
• When is bird nesting season? Traditionally bird nest season is March to August, however we have started to notice that with warmer conditions, this is creeping into February. 
• Is distributing nests illegal? The short answer is yes, they are protected under UK law. However, in extreme cases where essential works have to continue, such as for safety, then nests can safely be moved.  
• How can I avoid nests disturbing works? There are two key pieces of advice. First of all, birds nest in desirable locations, work with companies to create those desirable locations elsewhere on your site – this could include rewilding areas or simply installing bird boxes. The other piece of advice is to plan early. Your maintenance, tree works and major works programmes can all work around bird nesting.