Bat Survey Blaenau Gwent: Protected Species

Bat surveys in Blaenau Gwent are a required addition in many planning applications to indicate all present bat activity and how project developers should best protect bat populations. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it condemnable by law to injure or kill, damage, or destroy many endangered species, including bats, even if they are considered to obstruct project development.

Therefore, if bats are present on a development site, a thorough bat survey can help support project developers with an indication of the correct measures to protect and mitigate disturbance to the presence of bat species.

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 or on a proposed project development site.

This is normally the first survey performed to assess the potential impact of project development on bat species on the site and in the area. Collington Winter can provide an ecological consultant to carry out an internal and external inspection of the building, looking for evidence of bat roosting at the time, including insect-feeding remains and bat droppings.

Bat emergence and re-entry surveys: Bat emergence and re-entry surveys are usually the next step proceeding a PRA when a bat presence has been noted in an area. The bat worker will monitor any entry and exit points to gather information on the location, bat species, and bat population.

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 a range of bat-friendly technology that best records and analyses calls without causing any disturbance to the bats and surrounding wildlife.

Nocturnal bat surveys: A nocturnal bat survey is a type of ecological survey conducted to observe the behaviour of bats during the night. These surveys are essential for monitoring bat populations, identifying species, and assessing their habitats. Nocturnal bat surveys are often the optimal assessment of bats as all UK bats follow a nocturnal routine, and so their activity is most frequent in the evening.

A local planning authority will usually advise project developers based in Blaenau Gwent on the type of survey needed with a detailed method statement. The method statement will state recommendations for project developers to implement in the development process, including the safest times to complete construction work and other suggestions detailing methods of providing a satisfactory bat environment during and after the development work.  

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

Collington Winter Environmental are an ecological consultancy based in Greater Manchester boasting extensive experience in environmental impact assessments and surveys nationwide.

Our ecologists hold Natural England bat licences and European Protected Species licences and have worked with protected species across the UK alongside licensed bat surveyors and bat conservation trusts; we aim to provide all our clients with concise support to enable maximum success in landing a project.  With a national presence of surveyors and experts, we are able to ensure that during any development, any local bat species are identified and practical solutions are implemented to allow your development to progress.

Please contact our Ecology Director Olivia Collington (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for more information on our wide range of ecological services and species survey work, including bird surveys, badger surveys and great crested newt surveys. We also provide preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) and assessment services, assistance with biodiversity net gain requirements (which are now mandatory with all planning processes) as well as Landscape Architectural services.

To speak to one of our experts directly, don’t hesitate to call us on 01204 939608.