Bat Survey Bridgend: Protected Species
Project developers may be required to carry out a bat survey to determine the presence of bats within a structure or trees. The local planning authority will typically make developers aware if a bat survey is needed. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it illegal to injure/kill bats or damage or destroy a bat roosting place.
Therefore, an informed bat survey can help to provide an indication of any measures project developers need to take to protect and mitigate disturbance to present bat species. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 outlines the proper procedures for developers to take to ensure endangered species and their habitats are not neglected.
Bat Survey, Bridgend: Bat Activity
Across England and Wales, the spring and summer months are when bat activitiy is at its highest. Therefore, surveys provide the best results at this time of year. If bat activity is found over this warmer period, a bat activity survey may be recommended during the winter to establish whether the area is also used by hibernating bats.
There are many bat species that are likely to be present when assessing development sites based in Bridgend and neighbouring areas like Vale of Glamorgan, Port Talbot and Porthcawl. Frequently recorded species include the Common pipistrelle bat, the Brown long-eared bat, the Soprano pipistrelle bat, Daubentons’ bat, the Natterer’s bat, Bechstein’s bat and Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat.
Types of Bat Surveys, Bridgend
Preliminary Roost Assessment: A Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) is an initial evaluation conducted on the likelihood of bats roosting in a specific building or structure.
This survey serves as an essential first step in the process of navigating the potential impact of project development on bat species on the site and in the area. Our consultants will carry out a thorough internal and external inspection of the building, looking for evidence of bat roosting.
Bat emergence and re-entry surveys: Bat emergence and re-entry surveys typically follow a bat scoping survey or a preliminary roost assessment when evidence of bat presence has been detected 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 using bat-friendly technology numerous times until a range of sufficient data has been collected.
Nocturnal bat surveys: A nocturnal bat survey is an ecological survey conducted to observe and record nighttime bat activity and behaviour. These surveys are essential for providing information about any present bats which may not have been gatherable during the daytime, further supplementing planning applications and licence applications.
A local planning authority such as Bridgend County Borough will usually provide further guidance for project developers based in South Wales on the type of survey needed in the form of a method statement. For Good Practice Guidance for Bats, visit the Chartered Institute of Ecology website.
How can Collington Winter Environmental Assist You?
Collington Winter Environmental is an ecological consultancy boasting extensive experience in environmental impact assessments and surveys nationwide. Our team hold Natural England bat licences and European Protected Species licences. We have worked alongside project developers and bat conservation trusts to protect endangered species across the UK.
Please contact our Managing Director Olivia Collington (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for more information on our wide range of ecological services and protected habitats and species survey work, including great crested newt surveys. We also provide preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) and assessment services.
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