Phase 2 Bat Survey Cost

Developers will often be required to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as part of the planning permission process to determine whether any species are present on site. If a protected species is found to be present, further specific surveys will need to be carried out. In the case of bats, a phase 2 bat survey should be carried out in order to gather more detailed information.

When undertaking construction or development projects, it is essential to consider the potential impact on local wildlife and biodiversity. Bats are a protected species, and they play a vital role in ecosystems and are particularly sensitive to changes in their habitat.

A Phase 2 bat survey is a type of ecological survey conducted to assess the presence of bats and their activity in a specific area. The goal of a Phase 2 bat survey is to gather evidence of bats and detailed information about bat populations or their use of a particular site.

Key components of a Phase 2 bat survey may include:

1. Dusk and Dawn Emergence and Re-entry Surveys: Bats are often surveyed during their active periods at dusk and dawn. Surveyors observe bats emerging and record the bat species, numbers, and flight paths of bats as they leave and return to their roost sites.
2. Building Inspections: If buildings are suspected to be high potential roost sites, active surveys may involve detailed inspections of structures to identify signs of bat presence, such as droppings, feeding remains, or entry/exit points.
3. Habitat Surveys: The bat surveyors assess the surrounding habitat to understand its suitability for foraging and commuting bats. This may include the examination of vegetation, water bodies, and other features that could be important for bats.
4. Static Detector Surveys: Automated bat detectors may be deployed in various locations to record bat echolocation calls. This helps in identifying different species of bat and their activity patterns in the area.

The results of a Phase 2 bat survey provide important information for conservation and planning purposes. If significant bat populations or bat roost sites are identified, appropriate mitigation measures may be recommended to minimise the impact of the proposed development on these protected species.

Consultation with ecological experts or relevant local authorities is often necessary to ensure compliance with legal and conservation requirements. Bat survey guidelines can be found on the bat conservation trust website.

The cost of a phase 2 bat survey can vary significantly based on several factors, including the scope of the survey, the size and complexity of the site, the geographic location, and the specific requirements set by a local planning authority.

The characteristics of the site, such as its size, accessibility, and geographic location, can affect the cost. Surveys in remote or challenging locations may require more time and resources.

The time of year can also affect the bat survey cost. Some surveys are more effective during specific seasons when bats are more active, and the timing may influence the overall duration of the survey.

To obtain an accurate estimate for a phase 2 bat survey cost, it is recommended to contact ecological consultants with experience in bat assessments. They can provide a tailored quote based on the specific requirements of the project.

Due to their ecological importance, bats are 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 kill, injure, capture, or intentionally disturb bats in their natural habitats. 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 roosts.

Bat surveys are typically conducted during specific periods when bats are most active, as their activity patterns vary throughout the year. However, the bat survey season is typically at its peak during the summer months. Therefore, most bat surveys should be undertaken between May and September.

However, if bat activity is found during the summer months, a bat hibernation survey may be required during the winter months to establish whether the area is also used by hibernating bats.

Phase 2 bat surveys should be conducted by experienced ecologists 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.

Collington Winter Environmental are a team of ecological consultants with extensive experience in undertaking phase 2 bat surveys on all types of development projects. Our Ecology Director, Olivia Collington, holds a Natural England Bat licence and has worked with protected species across the UK.

If it is determined that your proposed project may affect bats, our team can provide bat mitigation measures to ensure that your project meets legal requirements. We can also carry out a preliminary roost assessment (PRA).

Please get in touch via email at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk, for more information on bat survey guidelines. We also provide ecological appraisal and assessment services.

Our Director Jane Winter also provides landscape architecture services.