Bat Survey in Birmingham: Protected Species

A bat survey in Birmingham can help establish whether bats are present within buildings, trees, structures or other habitats that could be affected by proposed development. Carrying out an appropriate ecological assessment at an early stage can help identify potential constraints and ensure that protected species considerations are taken into account throughout the planning process.

Bats are a European protected species and are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. This protection extends to bats and their roosts and any activities that could affect protected species without the appropriate permissions and mitigation.

Where bats or potential roosting features are identified on or close to a development site, the local planning authority may require additional ecological assessment and suitable mitigation before planning permission can be granted.

The appropriate bat survey will depend on the findings of an initial assessment and the nature of the proposed works.

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): A PRA is often the first stage of investigating potential bat presence. An ecologist will inspect buildings, trees and other structures for features that could provide suitable roosting opportunities. The findings can help determine whether further surveys are necessary and inform the scope of any subsequent ecological work.

Bat Dusk Emergence and Dawn Re-entry surveys: Where a PRA identifies suitable features or potential signs of bats, bat emergence and re-entry surveys may be required. These surveys are generally undertaken around dusk or dawn using specialist equipment to detect bat calls and determine whether bats are leaving or returning to a potential roost.

Nocturnal bat surveys: Nocturnal bat surveys are carried out after dark to monitor bat activity across a development site and surrounding habitats. They can help identify the species present and provide information about how bats use different parts of the site.

Nocturnal bat surveys: Nocturnal bat surveys are carried out after dark to monitor bat activity across a development site and surrounding habitats. They can help identify the species present and provide information about how bats use different parts of the site.

Hibernation surveys: Some buildings, trees and structures can provide suitable conditions for bats to hibernate. Where potential hibernation sites are identified, surveys must be carefully planned and undertaken to avoid disturbing bats during the winter period.

Collington Winter Environmental provides specialist bat activity survey services for development projects throughout Birmingham. Our experienced ecological consultants can assist with Preliminary Roost Assessments, bat surveys and further ecological work where required.

We take a practical approach to ecological assessment, helping developers understand potential protected species considerations at an early stage of the planning process.

If you require a bat survey in Birmingham, contact Collington Winter Environmental at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk.