Bat Ecologist Fareham – Protected Species Surveys

When undertaking construction or development projects, it is essential to consider the potential impact on local wildlife and biodiversity. Bats are a European protected species, and they play a vital role in ecosystems and are particularly sensitive to changes in their habitat. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct thorough bat surveys as part of the planning permission process to assess the presence and conservation needs in the project area.

Due to their ecological importance, bats are fully protected under national and international legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

It is an offence to injure, capture, intentionally disturb or kill a bat in their natural habitat. Therefore, if it is found that bats are present on a site, developers are legally required to carry out bat mitigation and compensation measures before any development work can begin. These measures may include the creation of bat boxes or artificial bat roosts. More information about bat mitigation measures can be found on the Bat Conservation Trust website.

Bat survey Berkshire

Types of bat survey

 

There are several types of bat surveys that may be conducted as part of the planning application process. The specific type of ecology survey required will depend on various factors. These may include the nature of the proposed development, the location, and the presence of suitable bat habitats. Here are some common types of bat surveys:

  • Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): This initial survey involves a visual inspection of buildings, trees, and other structures within and around the surrounding land to identify potential bat roosting features and feeding remains. It helps determine if further surveys are necessary and provides a preliminary indication of the presence or likely absence of roosting bats.
  • Bat Activity Surveys: These surveys involve the use of bat detectors, which record and analyse bat echolocation calls. They provide information on bat species present, their activity patterns, and foraging behaviour. Activity surveys can be conducted using static detectors placed at strategic locations or by employing transects to cover larger areas.

Bat ecologist Fareham

Bat surveys should be conducted by an experienced bat ecologist, Fareham, or licensed bat surveyors who have the necessary knowledge and expertise to identify species of bats, assess roosting sites, and interpret bat activity data. These professionals possess a deep understanding of bat ecology, survey methodologies, and legal requirements related to European protected species.

In the UK, bat surveys should ideally be carried out by ecologists who hold a Natural England bat survey license and a European Protected Species licence. These licenses are issued to individuals who have demonstrated sufficient skills and knowledge in conducting bat surveys and handling bats appropriately.

How Can Collington Winter Assist?

Collington Winter Environmental are an ecology team with extensive experience in environmental management and undertaking bat and hibernating bat surveys on all types of development projects and can meet any bat survey requirements. Our Ecology Director, Olivia Collington, holds a Natural England Bat licence, and has worked with protected species across the UK alongside Fareham bat surveyors and bat conservation trusts.

Please contact us (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for more information on our mitigation plans and protected habitats and species survey work, including bat surveys and great crested newt surveys. We also provide preliminary ecological appraisal and assessment services.

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