Hi,
I will be undertaking grassland surveys in the summer, and have been asked by some of the sites to present a method statement and risk assessment. I realise my main point of concern is disturbing ground nesting birds, but as I have never written a risk assessment before I'm unsure as what to write other than that I will be careful in looking for signs of nesting birds, including warning calls etc.
Any help on examples of what to write in terms of this would be much appreciated!
Sam
It might be worth contacting the BTO as they issue guide lines to those of us who do volunteer surveys,a quick phone call may solve your problem.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Sorry for not replying earlier. Doggie & Seaman have raised some good points here. Dependant on the type of grassland you are talking about, ground nesting birds could include: Skylark, Lapwing, Meadow pipit and Grey partridge. Both Skylark and Meadow pipit begin laying eggs around late April and both can have to 2 broods. Lapwing lay their eggs around March time. Both Skylark and Lapwing are very vocal during the breeding season.
Chris and myself do a number of upland surveys of nesting waders for our local A.O.N.B. and if nesting/displaying birds are obvious we try to survey from adjoining fields but in the type of survey you are doing that may not be possible.
Thank you all very much for your helpful advice!