Bat Surveys in Ceredigion: Protected Species

Ceredigion provides suitable habitats for a wide range of bat species, meaning development projects may need to consider the presence of bats within buildings, trees and other structures on or surrounding a proposed site. A bat survey can help identify potential bat roosts and assess whether a development could affect protected species or their habitats.

The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 provides important legal protection for species and habitats that could be affected by development. Alongside this, all bat species, their breeding sites and roosts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. These habitats and species regulations mean that ecological considerations can be an important part of the planning application process.

Welsh local authorities, including Ceredigion County Council, may advise developers when further ecological assessment is required. Early consideration of bat activity can help identify potential constraints and ensure appropriate bat mitigation is incorporated into a project.

The appropriate survey type will depend on the nature of the site and the potential for bats to be present. Common types of bat surveys in Ceredigion include:

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): A Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA), sometimes referred to as a bat scoping survey, is often the first stage of a bat assessment. It typically combines a review of available ecological information with a site inspection.

An ecologist will examine buildings, trees and other structures for features that could provide suitable roosting opportunities. Evidence such as droppings, feeding remains, staining, bat sightings and potential access points may also be recorded. The findings help establish whether a bat roost is likely to be present and whether additional surveys are required.

Bat Emergence and Dawn Re-entry surveys: Where a building or structure has suitable features for bats, a bat emergence and re entry survey (BERS) may be required. These surveys are undertaken around dusk and, where appropriate, dawn to establish whether bats are emerging from or returning to potential roosting locations.

Specialist detectors can record bat echolocation calls, helping ecologists identify species and understand patterns of bat activity. The results can then inform suitable mitigation plans.

Nocturnal bat surveys: Nocturnal bat surveys are undertaken after dark to assess bat activity across a site. These surveys can help identify which bat species are using an area, where bats are feeding or commuting, and how proposed development could affect bats and their habitats.

Hibernation surveys: Some developments may require surveys to assess whether bats use buildings, structures, tunnels or tree cavities during winter. These surveys are undertaken carefully to minimise the risk of disturbing hibernating bats.

Collington Winter Environmental is an experienced ecological consultancy providing bat ecologist services and ecological assessments across England and Wales. Our consultants have experience undertaking bat surveys and assessing the potential effects of development on protected species and habitats.

We can provide practical advice throughout the planning process, helping developers understand their ecological responsibilities and identify bat mitigation where required. For further information about our ecological services or to discuss whether a bat survey in Ceredigion may be required for your planning application, please contact us today at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk