Bat surveys begin with an initial site assessment of the buildings to be affected. The survey involves an inspection for signs of bats. Should evidence of bats be found or areas suited to roosting bats identified it may be necessary to complete further evening emergence surveys. Bat activity surveys allow for identification of roost access points, number of bats present and species of bat using a roost. An initial daytime assessment can be completed at any time of year. Activity surveys can only be undertaken in the active season which runs from April to September.
Bat Survey Services
- Bat – roost surveys for planning applications
- Mitigation
- Monitoring – roost sites and mitigation works
- Wind turbines – surveys and impact assessments for larger development schemes including
- Bat – habitat enhancement
Types of Bat Survey Work undertaken.
All bat surveys are undertaken in accordance with Natural England and JNCC Guidelines. I am fully licensed by Natural England to undertake all types of bat survey work.
Barns and houses: Initial daylight survey including assessment of potential roosting areas, emergence and return to roost surveys and development of mitigation schemes.
Churches: Working on behalf of Natural England in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
Tree surveys: Assessment of bat roosting potential from the ground, assessment of trees from a high level using qualified climbers, supervision of tree works using `soft felling’ techniques.
Wind Turbine: Wind turbine proposals will require a bat survey from a suitably qualified and licensed ecologist.
In accordance with Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines 3rd Edition (Collins J, 2016), a preliminary roost assessment should be carried out on the survey building to determine whether any features are present that bats could use for entry/exit points and roosting, and to search for signs of bat presence.
I regularly undertake bat surveys in Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Norfolk, Nottinghamshire and Cambridgeshire in connection with barn conversions, planning applications and other developments. I hold a Natural England licences and work in accordance with Natural England and Bat Conservation Trust survey and good practice guidelines (2012).
I am a totally Independent Ecologist and Protected Species Consultant, for impartial advice on all aspects of ecology and for further details please email andrew@forktail.co.uk or call my mobile 07880700313.