Protected Species Awareness

UK wildlife law protects certain species and their habitats — disturbing them during construction is a criminal offence.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 are the key legislation.
Protected species commonly found on construction sites include bats, great crested newts, nesting birds, and badgers.
All wild birds, their nests, and eggs are protected — nesting bird season typically runs from March to August.
Bats and their roosts are protected year-round — even an unoccupied roost must not be damaged or destroyed.
Great crested newts are protected from capture, injury, and disturbance, and their habitats are legally safeguarded.
An ecological survey must be carried out before site clearance, demolition, or tree and hedgerow removal.
Penalties for wildlife offences include unlimited fines and up to six months imprisonment per offence.
If you discover any protected species during work, stop the activity immediately and report it to your supervisor.
An Ecological Clerk of Works may be required on site during sensitive works to monitor and advise on wildlife protection.

Criminal offence	Disturbing or killing protected species carries unlimited fines and imprisonment — ignorance of the law is no defence.
Project delays	A wildlife offence can result in stop-work orders, licence applications, and months of programme delay.
Moral duty	These species are declining across the UK — construction sites can protect habitats with simple awareness and precautions.

Do

Don't

Check whether ecological surveys have been completed before any site clearance begins.
Attend the ecological briefing and know which protected species may be present on site.
Stop work immediately if you find bats, newts, nesting birds, or badger setts.
Report any suspected protected species or habitat to your supervisor without delay.
Follow seasonal restrictions for vegetation clearance to avoid nesting bird disturbance.
Inspect buildings, trees, and hedgerows for signs of bats before demolition or felling.
Protect retained trees and hedgerows with fencing at the correct root protection distance.
Follow the site ecological management plan and any licence conditions in place.
Allow the Ecological Clerk of Works to inspect sensitive areas before work proceeds.
Keep toolbox talk attendees informed of any new ecological constraints as they arise.

DON'T clear vegetation, fell trees, or demolish structures without checking for ecological surveys.
DON'T disturb nesting birds — avoid vegetation clearance during the March to August season.
DON'T enter, block, or damage a bat roost, even if it appears to be unoccupied.
DON'T handle, capture, or move great crested newts or their eggs without a licence.
DON'T continue working if you discover a protected species — stop and report immediately.
DON'T remove hedgerows or trees without authorisation from the project ecologist.
DON'T encroach on tree root protection areas with plant, materials, or excavations.
DON'T ignore the ecological management plan — it is a legal document with binding conditions.
DON'T interfere with ecological mitigation measures such as newt fencing or bat boxes.
DON'T assume a species is not protected — if in doubt, stop work and ask.

See also: Nesting Birds & Seasonal Restrictions | Bat Roost Awareness

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Toolbox Talk Record