Bat Survey Llŷn Peninsula: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey, Llŷn Peninsula, can help to assess whether bats are present in buildings, structures, or trees on development sites. Integrating these surveys into project planning is crucial for addressing bat-related concerns during the planning application process.

Undertaking bat assessments 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 prioritise bats 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, local town councils such as Cynogor Gwynedd Council have the 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 the Llŷn Peninsula should take place between May and September, as this season witnesses the peak of bat activity across the North West of Wales. If evidence of bat activity is recorded during the summertime, wintertime surveys are sometimes required to assess for hibernating bats.

The species of bats likely to be present when surveying a site on the Llŷn Peninsula are the Common Pipistrelle and Soprano Pipistrelle bats, Daubenton’s bat, Brown Long-eared bat and the Noctule bat. The Brandt’s and Whiskered bats are also widely populated across the North of Wales.

A bat survey process will typically be structured as seen below to 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 most 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 helps to protect and manage species across 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.