Drone Enabled Nesting Bird Surveys for Industrial Roofing Project

When a major construction company planned to replace an asbestos roof at a large industrial estate in North East England, they faced a critical environmental compliance challenge.

The project needed to proceed without disturbing protected nesting birds during peak breeding season, requiring a comprehensive survey of an extensive industrial roof. Traditional survey methods would have demanded expensive access equipment and posed significant health and safety risks.

Drone Enabled Nesting Bird Surveys

Our ecology team transformed this challenging requirement through innovative drone technology. By deploying a state-of-the-art drone operated by our CAA-licensed pilot, we conducted comprehensive aerial surveys that captured high-resolution imaging across the entire site. This modern approach allowed our team to gather detailed evidence while minimising any disturbance to wildlife.

The technology enabled our ecologists to create precise GIS mapping of nest locations, providing our client with clear, actionable insights for their project planning. This digital approach not only enhanced the accuracy of our survey but also provided robust documentation for compliance purposes.

60% Cost Reduction achieved by eliminating need for traditional access equipment

100% Survey Coverage of extensive industrial roof area using drone technology

0 Health & Safety Incidents through elimination of working at height risks

The Results

Our innovative approach delivered immediate and substantial benefits for the client. The survey successfully identified multiple active herring gull nests and, crucially, located areas where work could safely proceed. This precision enabled the client to adapt their construction schedule effectively while maintaining full compliance with wildlife protection legislation.

The financial impact was equally significant. By eliminating the need for traditional access equipment such as Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) or scaffolding, we reduced survey costs by approximately 60%. More importantly, the removal of working at height requirements substantially improved safety conditions for all involved.

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Solutions

This project exemplifies how modern technology can revolutionise traditional environmental surveys. The combination of ecological expertise and drone technology transformed what would typically be a challenging and expensive survey into a precise, efficient operation that prioritised both wildlife protection and client needs.

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Seagulls Nesting ciobotea88 from Getty Images canva.com

Successful Project Delivery

The success of this project has established a new benchmark for ecological surveys, particularly in challenging industrial environments. The methodology we developed provides a template for future projects, offering clients a more efficient, safe, and cost-effective approach to environmental compliance.

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Trusted Ecology Surveys

Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

Lucion’s team of Ecologists undergo specialist training and maintain active membership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

IEMA EIA Quality Mark

Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd has achieved the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment’s (IEMA) Quality Mark for Environmental Impact Assessment as a large producer of Environmental Statements and Chapters.

Constructionline Gold

Constructionline Gold includes Acclaim’s SSIP accreditation, streamlining compliance and health and safety information.

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Trusted Environmental Services

Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd has advised Hermes for over 22 years on a range of environmental issues. Their team holds an impressive depth of knowledge and experience, which added to their commercial understanding, makes Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd an invaluable member of our project team.

Jo Flattery Associate Director & Project Management

Delta-Simons did a great job during the planning process for Wymeswold solar farm. The innovative solutions recommended by the team allowed us to protect existing ecology whilst also minimising disruption to a time sensitive development.

Julie Rankin Operations Director, Lark Energy

Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd has advised Hermes for many years on a range of environmental issues. Their team hold an impressive depth of knowledge and experience, which added to their commercial understanding, makes Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd an invaluable member of our project team.

Hermes Real Estate Representative