Bat Survey Leeds: Protected Species Surveys

In Leeds, bat activity is highest during the summer months. Therefore, surveys can be undertaken during this time of year to determine the presence of roosting bats and the number of bat groups in the area. If bat activity is found during a bat survey in the summer months, a bat activity survey may be required during the winter to establish whether the area is also used by hibernating bats.

There are many bat species of bat which are likely to be found when undertaking bat surveys in Leeds. These include, the common pipistrelle bat, the brown long-eared bat, the soprano pipistrelle bat, Daubentons’ bat, the whiskered bat, Brandt’s’ bat and Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat.

Preliminary Roost Assessment:  A Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) is an initial survey or assessment conducted to determine whether bats are likely to be roosting in a specific building or structure.

This assessment is an important first step in the process of assessing the potential impact of development or renovation projects on bat populations and their bat roosts. Our consultants will carry out an internal and external inspection of the building looking for evidence of bat roosts, including insect feeding remains and bat droppings.

Bat emergence and re entry surveys: Bat emergence and re-entry surveys are usually the next step following a bat scoping survey or a preliminary roost assessment when evidence of bat presence has been detected in an area. The bat worker will monitor any entry and exit points to gather information on the location, bat species and population of the bats.

These surveys will be conducted on numerous occasions over a period of time until a range of sufficient data has been collected. Our ecological consultants use bat detectors to record and analyse calls without disturbing the bats. 

Nocturnal bat surveys: A nocturnal bat survey is a type of ecological survey conducted during the nighttime to observe and record bat species’ activity and behaviour. These surveys are essential for monitoring bat populations, identifying species, and assessing their habitats. Nocturnal bat surveys are often carried out as part of ecological assessments, conservation efforts, and impact assessments related to development projects.

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

Collington Winter Environmental are a team of experienced ecologists with extensive experience in undertaking West Yorkshire bat surveys. Our ecologists hold Natural England bat licences and European Protected Species licences worked with protected species across the UK alongside licensed bat surveyors and bat conservation trusts.

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