arbsuitepro.co.uk

ArbSuitePro

Arb Compliance Simplified

arbsuitepro.co.uk

🦜 Wildlife Due Diligence

Bird Nesting
Check Sheet

Pre-Work & Periodic Site Assessment — complete before works commence

⚖️ Legal Obligation

Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while in use or being built. All operatives must comply prior to and throughout all works.

Auto-save active

⚠️

Scope & Limitations

This check sheet supports basic due diligence for trained arborists during daytime tree works only. It does not replace a professional ecological survey. If Schedule 1 species are suspected, or works are planned during darkness, a licensed ecologist must be consulted before works commence.

Job Details

Job Reference / Number

Date of Check

Client Name

Site Address

Operative(s) on Site

Lead Arborist / Supervisor

Works Description

Nesting Season Awareness

Month

Weather Conditions

Nesting Risk Period

Pre-Work Site Assessment Checklist

Visual inspection of all trees to be worked on

Stand back and observe entire canopy, trunk cavities, ivy, dense foliage and deadwood for signs of nesting activity before approaching.

Checked for occupied or active nests

Look for nest structures containing eggs, chicks or incubating adults. Also check for nest building behaviour (birds carrying material).

Checked for birds exhibiting alarm or distress calls

Birds repeatedly returning to an area, alarm calling, or performing distraction displays may indicate a nearby nest.

Inspected tree cavities, holes and splits

Cavities favoured by tits, owls, woodpeckers, stock dove and treecreeper. Listen for chick calls from within before any chainsaw work.

Inspected ivy, dense creeper and tangled vegetation

Thick ivy and creepers commonly used by wrens, robins and blackbirds for concealed nesting.

Inspected hedgerows, scrub and adjacent vegetation

If hedge trimming or scrub clearance is involved, inspect all areas carefully. Many ground and scrub-nesting species at high risk.

No obvious signs of Schedule 1 species — if suspected, works halted

Arborists are not expected to make definitive Schedule 1 identifications. If any signs are suspected (barn owl, peregrine, kingfisher etc.), works must stop and a licensed ecologist contacted before resuming.

All operatives briefed on findings and obligations

Entire team made aware of any findings, areas to avoid and their legal obligations before works commence.

Initial Nesting Risk Assessment

Based on your pre-work visual inspection, what is the overall nesting risk at this site?

🟢Low Risk
No nesting activity observed. Proceed with normal care.

🟡Medium Risk
Some indicators noted. Proceed with heightened caution.

🔴High Risk / Nest Found
Active nesting confirmed. Works must be suspended.

Notes on Initial Assessment

Periodic Site Findings

Add a new finding each time a check is carried out during works, or if any new nesting activity is discovered mid-job.

Overall Outcome & Decision

✅Proceed
No nesting activity found. Works can go ahead.

⚠️Proceed with Caution
Activity noted. Works modified / areas avoided.

🛑Works Suspended
Active nest confirmed. Works halted.

Actions Taken / Restrictions Applied

Works Start Date

Works Completion / Close-Out Date

Signatures

Lead Operative / Arborist

Supervisor / Site Manager

By signing, I confirm that a bird nesting check has been carried out at this site in accordance with legal obligations and the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

🔒 Privacy Notice: All data entered into this form is stored locally on your device only and is not transmitted, collected or shared with any third party.

Bird NestingCheck Sheet

Bird Nesting
Check Sheet