Wintering Bird Survey (September 2026 – March 2027)

We are continuing with the winter bird data collection within the wider project area to assess potential site usage by important bird populations, these surveys include both diurnal and nocturnal elements.

Surveys have been ongoing within the Site since November 2023. Daytime surveys involve non-intrusive walkover surveys to count birds utilising the Site and will require surveyors to walk pre-determined transects and access viewpoints during a spread of daylight hours.

Nighttime surveys, utilising specialist equipment, will take in late evenings, assessing the Site’s usage during the hours of darkness. This is the third full season of wintering bird survey, following partial winter coverage in previous years covering different areas within the Site.

The wintering bird survey in 2026/27 (taking place between September 2026 and March 2027) will complete the survey effort at this stage of the Proposed Development, ensuring there is sufficient data from across the entire Site to inform the impact assessment.