Bat Surveys Binsted: Protected Species Surveys

Bat Surveys, Binsted, often take place as part of the planning process to ensure compliance with environmental legislation. Such surveys are required nationwide for developments large and small. Bats are a European Protected Species, meaning any place they choose to roost and inhabit is safeguarded under both English and Welsh law, particularly the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Local authorities, including Binsted Parish Council, may request bat surveys, Binsted, to take place if there is any given risk of the development disturbing bats living on the site. In the case that bats are believed to be present, appropriate ecological assessments and mitigation strategies must be implemented to support the planning application and avoid any harm to the bats.

Collington Winter Environmental provides professional ecological consultancy services tailored to meet these requirements. Our team members, all accredited ecologists, have extensive experience conducting bat and other protected species surveys and are proud holders of Natural England Protected Species Licences, ensuring legalities are taken care of whilst nurturing the local environment.

Bat surveys should be undertaken between May and September, this being their most active season. During this time, bat presence and activity can be assessed to a high standard. If summer surveys indicate the presence of bats, winter surveys may also be needed to determine whether bats are using the site to hibernate.

For general guidance on bat conservation and bat species in Binsted, advice can be found through organisations such as the Hampshire Bat Group.

The type of surveys performed will depend on what our ecological consultants deem appropriate and will help put together a supportive and well-evidenced bat survey report:

• Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): Visual inspections of the building, searching for evidence of bat activity, such as bat droppings, staining, or access points.
• Dusk & Dawn Surveys: Monitoring of bat emergence and re-entry using thermal imaging and acoustic detectors.
• Nocturnal Surveys: Nighttime monitoring of bat flight paths, feeding patterns, and species identification through echolocation.

To discuss the range of survey services we offer or arrange any bat surveys, Binsted, with an experienced ecologist, we encourage you to contact us today at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk. We also offer ecological surveys for a wide range of protected species and habitats, such as trees. Additionally, we are happy to provide Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), and landscape architecture services throughout the region.