Wildlife & Protected Species

Tree work must be carried out with care for wildlife, habitats and protected species. Before work begins, the site should be checked for signs of nesting birds, bats, reptiles, badgers and other sensitive wildlife.

Norfolk Trees provides professional tree surgery services across Norfolk and East Anglia, with appropriate checks carried out before and during work to help protect wildlife and comply with relevant legislation.

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Wildlife & Protected Species Service

Wildlife and protected species can affect when and how tree work is carried out. If protected species or active habitats are found, work may need to stop while further advice or specialist surveys are arranged.

Our tree surgeons pay close attention to the site and surrounding environment before work begins. This includes looking for features such as watercourses, potential nesting sites, bat habitats and other sensitive habitats.

Where evidence of protected species is found, suitable guidance or specialist input should be sought before tree work continues.

Information about wildlife and protected species

Initial site surveys

Before tree work starts, the area should be assessed for potential wildlife issues. This includes checking the tree, nearby vegetation and surrounding site features that could provide habitat for protected or sensitive species.

Features such as watercourses, mature trees, cavities, hollows, dense vegetation, hedgerows and scrub can all increase the likelihood of wildlife being present.

If the survey identifies evidence of protected species, then guidance or specialist surveys may be needed before any work can take place.

Nesting birds

Norfolk Trees checks vegetation for nesting birds at all times of year. There is no single fixed nesting season that applies to every bird, although extra care is usually required during spring and summer.

Birds generally nest between the end of March and the end of September, but nesting can occur outside this period depending on the species and conditions.

If nesting birds are found, vegetation should not be cut until the young have fledged. It is illegal to remove or destroy a nest while it is being built or used under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Bats

Bats are highly protected, so particular care is needed to avoid disturbance. Likely habitats include trees with cavities, hollows, cracks, loose bark, buildings and structures such as bridges.

Tree corridors, including routes along tracks, hedgerows and riverbanks, may also be used by bats for foraging and movement.

If a tree has features that could support bats, a bat inspection may be needed before work begins. Initial checks may be carried out from ground level, with further checks continuing in the crown while the tree surgeon is working.

If bats are suspected or found, work should stop and suitable advice should be sought.

Reptiles

Reptiles are more commonly encountered on heathland, scrubland and clearance sites. They are less likely to be disturbed during routine tree work, but care is still needed where suitable habitat is present.

If reptiles are discovered on site and may be disturbed by the work, appropriate protection measures should be considered before work continues.

Badgers

Badgers are protected by law and can be sensitive to disturbance from noise and activity associated with tree work.

If badger setts are discovered on site, work should not be carried out nearby until further advice has been sought.

Badger setts can often be distinguished from fox dens by the shape of the entrance hole. A badger sett entrance is usually wider than it is tall, with a generally flat base. There may also be several entrances and a noticeable spoil mound.

Professional tree work with wildlife in mind

Wildlife considerations can affect a range of tree surgery work, including crown reduction, crown lifting, crown thinning, deadwood removal and tree removal or sectional felling.

The correct approach depends on the tree, the species present, the surrounding habitat and the urgency of the work.

Professional wildlife-aware tree surgery by Norfolk Trees

Norfolk Trees was established in 2002 by Ashley Barnes and operates throughout Norfolk and East Anglia. Our tree surgeons are fully qualified for the work they undertake and have experience across all aspects of tree care.

Our work includes dismantling, felling, crown lifting, crown reductions, dead wood removal, formative pruning, tree surveys to BS5837, tree hazard reports, pest and disease diagnosis, bat inspections, stump grinding or treating and tree planting.

Clients can be confident in the quality of our work. Norfolk Trees holds £10,000,000 public liability insurance and all work is carried out to BS3998:2010.

In addition to domestic tree work, we undertake commercial work for local authorities, parish councils and other organisations, including the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Breckland Council, Serco, South Norfolk Council, Broadland Council, NCC Highways, KierMG and Anglian Water, along with numerous other clients.

We are also approved by the Norfolk County Council, and are CHAS Accredited through the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.

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Tell us about the tree work or survey you need and we will get back to you. If possible, include photos of the tree, the surrounding area and any access restrictions so we can provide more helpful advice.

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