What Happens if There Are Nesting Birds on Your Project?

When carrying out tree work or site clearance, it’s essential to consider the presence of nesting birds. In the UK, all wild birds, their nests, and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This means disturbing an active nest can lead to legal consequences, project delays, and environmental harm.

At Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd, we follow a structured process to ensure nesting birds are identified and protected.

An empty wooden bird box hanging on a tree, patiently waiting for new residents to make it their home as the nesting season approaches.

Step 1: Ecological Surveys & Pre-Work Assessments

Before starting any tree work or vegetation clearance, our team carries out ecological surveys to check for signs of nesting birds. This may involve visual inspections, listening for bird activity, and consulting ecological specialists if needed.

Step 2: Identifying Active Nests

If we suspect birds are nesting in a work area, we take a cautious approach. Active nests can be found in trees, hedges, and even man-made structures. Once identified, all work in the immediate area must stop.

A bird carefully gathering white fibers to build its nest is a perfect example of nature's attention to detail as it prepares for the upcoming nesting season.

Step 3: Legal Compliance & Work Adjustments

If an active nest is found, we halt operations in the affected area. Nesting season typically runs from March to August, but birds can nest outside this period, making checks essential year-round. Work cannot resume until the birds have naturally left the nest.

Step 4: Rescheduling & Alternative Solutions

To minimise disruption, we may adjust our work plan, focusing on other areas of the site while waiting for the nesting period to end. If required, we work closely with ecologists and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance.

A pigeon sitting in its nest, incubating its eggs as part of the nesting process.

Why This Matters

Protecting nesting birds isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s about respecting and maintaining biodiversity.

“At Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd, we take our responsibility to the environment seriously. Before carrying out any tree works or vegetation clearance, our team conducts thorough ecological checks to ensure we do not disturb nesting birds or protected wildlife.
If active nests are found, work must be delayed, sometimes for several weeks, until the birds have naturally left.
While this can be frustrating and result in financial and logistical challenges, protecting wildlife is non-negotiable for us.
At Beechwood, we don’t just care about trees—we care about the ecosystems they support.”
— Simon Rotheram, Managing Director, Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd

By taking these steps, we ensure that our work aligns with best practices for environmental responsibility and conservation. If you're planning a project and need expert guidance on ecological compliance, get in touch with our team today!