Bat Survey Norfolk: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey in Norfolk can identify whether bats are present in structures, buildings, or trees on development sites. Integrating these ecological surveys into project planning is vital for addressing bat-related concerns during the planning application process.

If a local planning authority determines that bats are present near a proposed development site and appropriate mitigation measures have not been implemented, they have the legal power to intervene – potentially delaying or even preventing the progress of the project. Bats are slso protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Projects developers have a legal responsibility to ensure that any planned works do not harm, destroy, or block access to bat roosts. As bats are classified as a protected species under both UK and European legislation, surveys and assessments are often essential for new developments. These surveys help evaluate the necessary mitigation measures to secure planning permission and ensure proper habitat management, aiming to prevent further harm to the bat population.

In Norfolk, bat activity peaks during the summer months, making this the optimal time to conduct bat activity surveys. These surveys help identify roosting sites and estimate local bat populations. If bats are found during a summer survey, a follow-up winter assessment may be necessary to check if the site is also used for hibernation.

Norfolk is home to various bat species, including the common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, Nathusius’ pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat, Daubenton’s bat, whiskered bat, and Brandt’s bat.

The process of conducting a bat survey, Norfolk, generally follows a structured approach, which is key to developing an effective bat mitigation strategy:

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): The initial survey carried out is known as a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA), or a bat scoping survey. It involves a desk-based review of existing bat records and local databases, alongside a physical inspection of the site.

During the visit, trees, buildings, and other structures are examined for signs of bat activity. Evidence may include droppings, feeding remains, or possible entry points. The aim of this assessment is to identify whether there is any evidence of bat presence and to determine if more in-depth surveys are required.

Bat Emergence and Re-entry surveys:  If evidence suggests that bats may be present, an Emergence and Re-entry survey is carried out. These surveys are conducted at dusk and dawn, using static bat detectors to record echolocation calls. They confirm the presence of bats, locate roosting sites, and identify species.

Nocturnal bat surveys: A nocturnal bat survey is an ecological assessment carried out after dark to monitor and record the behaviour of bat species. Since bats are most active at night, these surveys are an effective way to study local populations, identify different species, and evaluate their use of the surrounding habitat.

Hibernation surveys: During the winter months, hibernation surveys are conducted to locate bats in hibernation sites such as caves, tunnels, mines, and tree cavities. Surveyors inspect these locations during the winter months, taking extra precautions not to affect bats in hibernation.

For Good Practice Guidance for Bats, visit the Chartered Institute of Ecology website.

Collington Winter Environmental is a specialist ecological consultancy providing protected species assessments for a range of development projects. Our licensed bat ecologists hold both Natural England and European Protected Species licenses, ensuring accurate and dependable assessments. We take a strategic and efficient approach to ecological survey, minimising delays while supporting the protection of local wildlife.

Please get in touch with our Managing Director Olivia Collington (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for more information on a bat survey, Norfolk. 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.