Tree Inspections to Supplement Nocturnal Bat Surveys

Trees can provide important roosting habitats for bats, with natural features offering potential shelter. However, some of these features can be difficult to inspect clearly from the ground, making specialist access and close examination necessary.

Collington Winter Environmental provides specialist ecological survey services to support development projects and ensure that protected species are appropriately considered during the planning process. As part of its bat survey work, CWE undertakes aerial tree inspections to supplement nocturnal bat surveys and investigate potential roosting features that cannot be fully assessed from ground level.

The challenge

During bat surveys, trees may be identified as having features with the potential to support roosting bats. While ground-level inspections can help identify these features, they do not always provide sufficient visibility to assess cavities or establish their suitability for bats.

Where potential roosting features are obscured or inaccessible, further investigation may be required to inform the ecological assessment and support decisions about the proposed development.

The challenge is to examine these features safely and thoroughly, gathering additional information to supplement the findings of nocturnal bat surveys.

Our approach

CWE uses trained tree climbers holding Level 2 bat survey licenses to undertake specialist aerial inspections of potential bat roosting features.

Using appropriate climbing equipment and an endoscope, our team can access tree cavities and inspect internal spaces that cannot be seen clearly from ground level. This allows potential roosting features to be examined in greater detail, helping to establish their suitability for bats and identify any signs of bat occupation where detectable.

These aerial inspections complement nocturnal bat surveys by providing a closer assessment of the tree features themselves. By combining different survey methods, CWE can develop a more informed understanding of the potential for trees to support roosting bats.

Our approach brings together specialist climbing skills and ecological expertise, allowing inspections to be undertaken with consideration for both survey objectives and the protection of the trees and wildlife involved.

The outcome

Aerial tree inspections provide valuable additional information where potential bat roosting features cannot be adequately assessed from the ground. By examining cavities and other features at close range, CWE can help clarify their suitability for bats and inform the need for any further ecological survey work. The findings can contribute to a more robust assessment of potential impacts on bats and support appropriate recommendations for the proposed development.

The results of an aerial inspection do not necessarily confirm or rule out the presence of bats. Where uncertainty remains, further surveys may be required in accordance with relevant guidance and licensing requirements.

How can Collington Winter assist?

At Collington Winter Environmental, we understand the importance of thorough ecological assessments in identifying protected species and informing responsible development.

Our aerial tree inspections offer a specialist method of investigating potential bat roosting features that are difficult to assess from the ground. By combining trained climbers with Level 2 bat survey licenses, we help clients obtain the ecological information needed to make informed decisions about their sites.

Contact Collington Winter Environmental to discuss your project and find out how our specialist tree inspections and bat survey services can support your ecological assessment and planning requirements.