REPORTING
Not all ecologists have the qualifications or skills to carry out a thorough Barn Owl survey. A CL29 licence issued by Natural England allows Ecologists / Barn Owl Surveyors to legally carry out surveys during the breeding season (Mar-Aug inclusive). Surveyors without a CL29 licence may undertake surveys legally between Sept-Feb but a precautionary approach is always adopted as Barn Owls may breed at any time of the year.
Surveyors use a system of recording that not only satisfies the objectives of the current client but also facilitates future surveys and research. Depending on the scale of the development the following are a list of the likely assessments required:
- Whether a building or tree is a current or suitable roost or breeding site.
- Whether evidence of Barn Owl Occupation has been lost or covered.
- The importance of sightings of Barn Owls.
- Identify and age Owl faeces, pellets, feathers, food caches, nest debris, carcasses, egg shells and eggs.
- Identify Owl presence through calls. Evaluate witness statements / reports of Barn Owl activity.
- Recognise and map suitable foraging habitat for Barn Owls.
- Assess the scope for enhancement of the development site.
- The site survey report will provide appropriate recommendations for protection, mitigation and enhancement. For example the mitigation for the loss of a nest site will include recommendations for a permanent alternative.
Minimising the impact of the development on wildlife.
Offsetting the impact of the development.
Making the site a better place for wildlife than it was before the development.
