To avoid unnecessary programme delays due to nesting birds, vegetation clearance and tree removal should be carried out during certain times of the year.
This varies according to the habitat, species and climatic conditions but, generally, November to February is the optimum period to carry out vegetation clearance – whilst birds are normally not nesting.
Vegetation clearance can be undertaken using large-scale mechanised methods, such as mulchers, or with hand-held equipment, such as brushcutters and chainsaws, depending on the size of the site and ecological sensitivity.
You can check ideal timings for ecological site work on our mitigation calendar here.