Bat Survey in Cornwall: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey in Cornwall can help determine whether bats are present within buildings, trees, structures or other habitats that could be affected by a proposed development. Undertaking an appropriate ecological appraisal at an early stage can help identify potential constraints and ensure that planning applications take account of relevant ecological considerations from the outset.

Bats are legally protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. These habitats and species protections cover bats and their roosts, meaning developers must take care not to disturb bats, damage their habitats or destroy a bat roost without the appropriate permissions and mitigation.

Where evidence of bats is found on or close to a development site, local planning authorities may require further ecological assessment and appropriate mitigation before planning permission can be granted.

Bat activity is generally greatest during the warmer months, with spring and summer providing suitable conditions for many types of bat survey. The timing and scope of surveys will depend on the characteristics of the site, the proposed development and the findings of any initial assessment.

Bat species that may be encountered in Cornwall include:

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

If bats or potential roosting features are identified, additional surveys are required in some circumstances to establish how bats are using the site and assess the potential impact of the proposed development.

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

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): A preliminary roost assessment if often the first stage of investigating potential bat presence. An ecologist will inspect buildings, trees and other structures for features that could provide suitable roosting opportunities.

The assessment may also look for signs of bats, including droppings, feeding remains, staining and other evidence. The findings can help establish whether further surveys are necessary and inform the scope of any subsequent ecological work.

Bat Emergence and Re-entry surveys: Where a preliminary roost assessment identifies suitable features or potential signs of bats, bat 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 determine whether bats are leaving or returning to a potential roost.

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

The results can help assess how proposed works could affect bats and whether additional assessment or mitigation is needed to support planning permission.

Hibernation surveys: Some buildings, trees and structures can provide suitable conditions for bats to hibernate. Hibernation surveys must be undertaken carefully to avoid disturbing bats during the winter period.

Collington Winter Environmental provides specialist ecological surveys for development projects throughout Cornwall. Our experienced ecologists can assist with preliminary assessments, bat surveys and further ecological work where required.

We take a practical approach to ecological assessment, helping developers understand potential constraints, establish which surveys are required and address protected species considerations at an early stage.

If you require a bat survey in Cornwall, contact Collington Winter Environmental at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk.