Bat Survey in Hampshire: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey in Hampshire can help establish whether bats are present within buildings, trees, structures or other areas affected by a proposed development. Carrying out the appropriate ecological surveys at an early stage can help identify potential constraints and make planning applications more straightforward.

Bats are legally protected as protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. The latter legislation provides protection for bats and their roosts, meaning developers must take care not to disturb bats, damage their habitats or destroy a bat roost.

If evidence of bats is identified on or close to a developments site, local planning authorities may require additional surveys and suitable mitigation before granting planning permission. Addressing protected species considerations early can help reduce the risk of delays or changes to proposed works.

Bat activity is generally highest during the warmer months, making spring and summer suitable periods for many types of bat survey.

Bat species that may be encountered in Hampshire include:

• Common pipistrelle
• Soprano pipistrelle
• Nathusius’ pipistrelle
• Brown long-eared bat
• Daubenton’s bat
• Whiskered bat
• Brandt’s bat

If bats are identified, further assessment may be necessary. The surveys that are required will depend on the characteristics of the site, the proposed development and the findings of the initial assessment.

The appropriate bat survey will depend on the findings of an initial assessment and the nature of the proposed development.

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): A PRA is often the first stage of a bat survey. An ecologist will inspect buildings, trees and other structures for potential roost features. The assessment will also look for signs such as droppings, feeding remains, staining and other evidence of bats. The findings can help determine whether additional surveys are required.

Bat Emergence and Re-entry surveys: Where a preliminary roost assessment identifies suitable features or signs of bats, emergence and re-entry surveys may be required. These surveys are generally undertaken around dusk or dawn, using specialist equipment to detect bat calls and establish whether bats are leaving or returning to a roost.

These surveys can help establish:

• Whether bats are using a buildings or structure
• Which bat species are present
• The location and type of bat roost
• How bats are using the site

Nocturnal bat surveys: Nocturnal bat surveys are carried out after dark to monitor bat activity. They can help identify the species using a site and provide information about how bats use surrounding habitats.

This may include identifying important flight routes, commuting routes and foraging areas. The results can help assess how proposed works could affect bats and whether mitigation or further assessment is necessary.

Hibernation surveys: Some buildings, trees and other structures can provide suitable conditions for bats to hibernate. These surveys must be undertaken carefully to avoid disturbing bats during the winter period. Whether hibernation surveys are required will depend on the site and the results of previous assessments.

Collington Winter Environmental provides specialist ecological surveys for development projects throughout Hampshire. Our experienced ecologists have the relevant Natural England and European Protected Species licences required for bat survey work.

We take a practical approach to ecological assessment, helping developers identify potential constraints, understand survey requirements and address ecological considerations at an early stage.

If you require a bat survey in Hampshire, contact us at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk.