Bat Survey Chelmsford: Protected Species

A bat survey, Chelmsford, may be required when embarking on a new project development to uphold necessary commitments to support the preservation of bat habitats and minimise risk factors to bats alongside other endangered species. Collington Winter Environmental provide a nationwide ecology service and is readily able to mitigate for protected species with bat surveys in Chelmsford.

Local planning authorities see to it that project planners and developers follow through with ecological requirements by reviewing planning applications and visiting proposed sites for inspections during and after construction work takes place. Supported by crucial legislation such as The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, local authorities have the ability to delay or even prevent a project from receiving planning permission if they believe ecological compliance has been neglected.

If a survey has recorded the presence of bats, a duty of care is bestowed upon project developers to prevent the bats from experiencing any harm or disruption. Strategic measures must be put in place not to encourage further decline of bat species across the UK. Hosting all eighteen present species of bats makes conservation efforts in Chelmsford fundamental.

The main types of bat activity surveys performed across the UK include:

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): The Initial survey used is the Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA), also known as a bat scoping survey. This involves a desk study, reviewing local bat records and databases, combined with a site visit to inspect buildings, trees, or other structures for signs of bats. Evidence may include droppings, feeding remains, and potential access points. The purpose of this survey is to determine whether further, more detailed assessments may be needed.

Bat Emergence survey and Dawn Re-entry surveys:  If evidence suggests that bats may be present on a proposed development site, Emergence and Re-entry Survey work is carried out. When conducting dusk and dawn surveys, bat surveyors use bat detectors to record echolocation calls. This can confirm the presence of bats, identify species, and locate roosting sites.

Nocturnal bat surveys: A nocturnal bat survey is a type of ecological survey conducted during the night to observe and record the behaviour patterns of bat species. As bat activity increases during this time, nighttime surveys efficiently monitor local bat populations, identify species, and assess their habitats. A nocturnal bat survey is highly beneficial to the conservation of habitats and ecological assessments.

Hibernation surveys: During the winter months, hibernation surveys are conducted to locate bats hibernating in spots such as caves, mines, tunnels, and tree cavities. Surveyors inspect these locations for bats, with surveys taking place between November and March.

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

Collington Winter is an environmental consultancy that offers protected species assessment services to small and large-scale project developments. We have extensive experience in providing bat ecologist services, including preliminary roost assessments, dusk emergence and dawn re-entry surveys and nocturnal bat surveys.  Throughout the year, we also provide ecological consultancy on biodiversity net gain, which is now a mandatory requirement of all planning projects.

With regards to undertaking bat surveys, our consultants hold European Protected Species licences in addition to Mitigation Licences from Natural England and perform professional project assessments across the country.

Get in touch with one of our experienced ecologists at  (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for more information on other Ecological services we offer, such as different species surveys for Great Crested Newts and Badgers. We also provide Preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) services and landscape architecture services to support your project.  Alternatively, contact one of the team on 01204 939608.