Bat Survey Llanrwst: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey, Llanrwst, is often a necessary step for project developers to take when submitting a new project planning proposal. Assessing whether bats may be present on a site allows developers to understand how to best create a supportive environment for the protected species, allowing them to live safely alongside a new project.

Making an active effort to protect bat habitats and roosting sites is a priority for local councils to minimise risks to bats and other endangered species. Collington Winter Environmental has a team of skilled ecologists ready to provide the efficient ecological services that your development proposal needs.

Supported by important legislation, such as The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, Llanrwst Town Council has authorisation to intervene with a project if they believe actions to protect bats have been neglected.

Bat activity surveys on a proposed development site in Llanrwst should take place between May and September, as this season witnesses the peak of bat activity across North West Wales. If evidence of bat activity is recorded during the summertime, wintertime surveys are sometimes required to assess for hibernating bats.

A bat survey process will usually follow a structure similar to the one below and will inform a bat mitigation strategy:

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): This initial survey determines whether bats are likely to be roosting in a building or structure. It is an important first step in evaluating the potential impact of the proposed development on local bat species. Consultants will conduct both an internal and external inspection of a site for any signs of bat roosts, such as bat droppings.

Bat Emergence and Re-entry Surveys: If bat activity is detected after the preliminary survey, an emergence or re-entry survey may be necessary. These surveys track bat movements, including entry and exit points to buildings, providing valuable insights into bat behaviour, roosting locations, and feeding habits. They are typically conducted multiple times, both day and night, using equipment like thermal imaging cameras and automated bat detectors to minimise any disturbance to the bats.

Nocturnal Bat Surveys: Since all UK bat species are nocturnal and use echolocation, consultants undertake bat nocturnal surveys to further monitor their nighttime activity and behaviour.

At the conclusion of the survey work, a list of recommendations will be presented to a project manager on how best to support any present bat species and habitats. Furthermore, consultants may comment on the best timing to undergo construction work.

Collington Winter Environmental is an ecological consultancy with extensive experience in conducting protected species surveys across the UK. Our team holds Natural England Class Licences and collaborates with bat conservation trusts to protect and manage species throughout the country. When it comes to ecological surveys, we prioritise a strategic and efficient approach, ensuring minimal delays while benefiting local wildlife.

Please get in touch with our Managing Director Olivia Collington (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for more information. Additionally, we take on other types of protected species survey work, such as badger and great crested newt surveys. We also provide preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) services alongside landscape architectural services.