Bat Survey Cheltenham: Protected Species
When initiating a new development project, a bat survey or assessment may be required to uphold necessary commitments to support preservation of bat habitats and mitigate risk factors to bats alongside other endangered species.
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 constraints have 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 to prevent further decline of bat species across the UK, with East Sussex hosting all eighteen present species of bat, conservation efforts in Cheltenham are fundamental.
Bat Survey, Cheltenham: Bat Activity
In the UK, bat presence is at its highest during the summer months, so undertaking a survey at this time can provide accurate results. If bat activity is found over the summer period, a bat activity survey may be recommended during the winter to establish whether the area is also used for hibernation.
There are many species of bat that are likely to be present when assessing development sites. These include, the common pipistrelle bat, the brown long-eared bat, the soprano pipistrelle bat, Daubentons’ bat, the whiskered bat, Brandt’s’ bat and Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat.
Types of Bat Surveys, Cheltenham
The main types of bat 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, such as 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, an Emergence and Re-entry Survey 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 will inspect these locations for torpid bats, and surveys take place between November and March.
For Good Practice Guidance for Bats, visit the Chartered Institute of Ecology website.
Recommendations to expect following a Bat Survey: Cheltenham
An instructive method statement will be provided following a bat survey to inform project developers on the necessary steps to take when conserving and protecting bats which are present on their site.
If unnecessary disturbance or harm to bats is still likely despite mitigation measures, the method statement will include provisions to replace or recreate bat habitats to keep potential harm to bats at a minimum. Compensation post-development for the impact on species during the process should be avoided and used as a last resort for project developers.
Depending on the scale of the project, recommendations may vary. For example, less may need to be done to protect bats in a private loft conversion when compared to a large-scale development on land which features woodland or old dilapidated structures. Common recommendations for any scale of project development include:
- Timing of works – As many roosts are seasonal and appear in the warmer months, there is typically a period where work can go ahead without impacting the bats.
- Restoration or Creation of Roosts – Roosts should be left undisturbed; if this is unavoidable, project developers should recreate bat habitats, mimicking natural bat roost features such as the location, access points, material, and temperature of the original roosting sites. Some larger or more eco-conscious projects will integrate bat-friendly infrastructure when building to support roosting bats.
- Long-term habitat management and maintenance – Surveys will provide data on how bats may use the site, whether for roosting, foraging, hibernating, or breeding. The area should be consistently maintained to preserve bat habitats. Planting insect-inviting plants can provide food for endangered species, including bats.
Project developers should make it a priority to dutifully implement any recommended measures from a survey into the development process. Any recommendations which are put in place should be listed in planning proposals so that local planning authorities are aware of the positive impact your ecological strategies may have.
Our ecological consultants will assess the suitable methods of conservation that should be included in your project development process.
How can Collington Winter Environmental assist you?
Collington Winter is an environmental consultancy offering protected species assessment services to small and large-scale project development proposals. We have extensive experience in providing bat ecologist services, including preliminary root assessments, dusk emergence and dawn re-entry surveys and nocturnal bat surveys.
Our consultants hold European Protected Species licences in addition to Mitigation Licences from Natural England and perform informative and professional project assessments across the country.
Contact a member of our team today 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.
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