Bat Surveys
Bat surveys are an essential part of the planning process for many development projects. They help to identify the presence of bats and their roosts, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to protect them.
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Why are bats surveyed?
There are 18 bat species in the UK and all of them and their roosts are protected under the Species Regulations 2010 and amendments, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, and schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
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Trees, cliffs and caves are natural roost sites of our native bats. As well as these, buildings or other habitats mimicking these can provide shelter for day-roosting, breeding, mating, or hibernating.
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When do I need to have bat surveys?
A preliminary roost assessment (PRA) should be undertaken when any proposed development may compromise or destroy suitable bat roost sites and is part of the planning permission process and can be undertaken all year round.
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Many times a PRA will be undertaken as part of a PEA if the development has the potential to impact on protected species other than bats.
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Its results determine the need for further bat surveys based on the features found and whether bats have been observed or have the potential to use the site.
Negligible
If a PRA returns negligible roost potential, no further surveys are needed.
Low
If a PRA returns low roost potential, one emergence / return to roost survey is required between May and August.
Medium
​If a PRA returns moderate roost potential, two emergence / return to roost surveys are required between May and August.
High
If a PRA returns high roost potential, three emergence / return to roost surveys are required between May and August.
Further surveys include
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An Aerial Tree Inspection is a detailed, close-up survey of all features on a tree which may provide potential roosting opportunities.
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An Activity Survey uses ultrasonic recording equipment to locate, identify and in some cases quantify bat usage of a pre-defined area of foraging, commuting or roosting habitat.
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Where suitable habitat exists a Hibernation Survey may be used to confirm use by bats during the winter months.
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What does Abrehart Ecology offer?
At Abrehart Ecology we offer professional, skilled, and efficient bat survey work. We undertake in-house fieldwork and expert report writing, with our licenced employees.
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We carry out all the listed bat surveys (above) with licensed professionals, from the PRA, through to further survey work as required.
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We have high quality infrared camera gear and recording equipment to provide proof within reports and to planning authorities.
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Once the potential for bats has been established, we can then offer and write a Low Impact Class (LICL) licence or a Full Licence utilising level 2 bat licenced ecologists, depending on the situation.
