Bat Survey Banbridge: Protected Species
When a project development application is underway, surveys for protected species are often required as part of ecology and environmental management. Bats are one of the many species which are considered endangered, calling for conservation efforts when a new project development site is proposed. With the constant renewal of planned sites across Northern Ireland, including wind turbine farms, concerns over protected species are a pressing matter. Collington Winter are therefore able to provide relevant surveys, including bat surveys in Banbridge.
If bats are discovered to be roosting on the site after a bat survey, appropriate efforts should be made to protect the bats during and after the project development. A local planning authority will usually make a planning director aware of the necessity of a bat survey in Banbridge, and failure to comply with local authority requirements can delay a project.
Bat Survey, Banbridge: Bat Activity
In Banbridge, bats typically see a rise in activity during the late spring and early summer months. Therefore, surveys are best undertaken during this time of year to determine the presence of roosting bats and the number of bat groups in the area. A bat activity survey may also be required during the winter to establish whether the area is also used by hibernating bats.
There are many bat species that are likely to be found when bat surveys are undertaken in Banbridge, all of which are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Breeds of bats most frequently recorded in Northern Ireland include the common, soprano and Nathusius’ pipistrelle bats.
Types of bat surveys, Banbridge
Types of bat surveys, Banbridge
A Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) is the initial survey to discover any roosting bats in the proposed site’s pre-existing buildings or infrastructure, including surrounding trees. The results from a PRA inform plans to mitigate the risk to bats and conservation of their territory.
Bat emergence and re-entry surveys:
Bat Emergence and Re-entry Surveys further complement the results found from an initial PRA; this determines the locations where the bats are most likely to roost and hibernate and the population of bats present on the proposed site. These surveys are often conducted multiple times to ensure the gain the most awareness of the bat’s habitats and roosting activity.
A Nocturnal Bat Survey may be necessary to further support previous surveys, solidifying more evidence of the bat’s daily behaviour, as bats typically are more active overnight due to their nocturnal nature.
For Good Practice Guidance for Bats, visit the Chartered Institute of Ecology website
How can Collington Winter Environmental Assist with Bat Surveys in Banbridge?
Collington Winter Environmental is a team of experienced ecologists with extensive experience in undertaking Northern Ireland bat surveys. Our ecologists hold Natural England bat licences and European Protected Species licences, and are therefore specialists in this area of work. We have worked with protected species across the UK and Ireland, undertaking several protected species surveys including the common lizard, smooth newts, and red squirrels.
Our team practices alongside licensed bat surveyors and conservation trusts such as the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to ensure every project development we work with upholds ecological sustainability. 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. We also provide preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) assessment services.
Alternatively if you wish to speak to one of our experts directly, call 01204 939608.
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