Bat Survey Chichester: Protected Species

When undertaking any development work in and around Chichester, conducting a bat survey is essential when sourcing evidence of bats to address ecological considerations. A thorough bat survey will help identify the presence of bats within buildings, trees, and other structures on and around the project site.

Local authorities, such as Chichester City Council, typically inform developers if a bat survey is required during the planning application process. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations, introduced in 2017, aim to safeguard species on all UK sites, particularly those at risk due to nearby development activities.

All bat species, along with their roosting and breeding sites, are protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Act prohibits the killing/injuring of bats or the destruction of bat habitats in the UK, making bat mitigation and compensation measures essential to secure planning permission and prevent rejection of development proposals.

A bat survey process will typically follow a structure similar to the one below:

• Preliminary Roost Assessment: This initial survey determines whether bats are likely to be roosting in a building or structure. It is an important first step in evaluating the potential impact of the proposed development on local bat species. Consultants will inspect both the internal and external areas of a site for any signs of bat roosts.
• Bat Emergence Surveys and Re-entry Surveys: If bat activity is detected after the preliminary survey, an emergence or re-entry survey may be necessary. These surveys track bat movements, including entry and exit points to buildings, providing valuable insights into bat behaviour, roosting locations, and feeding habits. They are typically conducted multiple times, both day and night, using equipment like thermal imaging cameras and bat detectors to minimise any disturbance to the bats.
• Nocturnal Bat Surveys: Since all UK bat species are nocturnal and use echolocation, nocturnal surveys are an effective way to monitor their activity and behaviour. These surveys are typically performed at night to gather detailed data on bat behaviour and activity levels.

After a bat survey, an instructive method statement will outline the necessary steps for conserving and protecting bats on a development site. If mitigation measures do not fully prevent harm or disturbance, the statement will recommend replacing or recreating bat habitats to minimise impact. Compensation should be a last resort.

Recommendations will vary based on the project scale. For instance, a private loft conversion may require fewer measures than a large-scale development with woodland or dilapidated structures. Common recommendations include:

• Timing of works: Since many bat roosts are seasonal, there is often a window when work can proceed without disturbing bats.
• Restoration or creation of roosts: If a roost must be disturbed, developers should recreate habitats with similar features, such as location, access points, materials, and temperature. Larger projects may integrate bat-friendly infrastructure, such as bat boxes, to support roosting.
• Long-term habitat management: Surveys will show how bats use the site, whether for roosting, breeding, or foraging. Developers should maintain these areas and plant insect-attracting plants to provide food for bats.

Developers must implement survey recommendations and include them in planning proposals to show local authorities that the development will have a positive ecological impact. Even if no bat habitats are impacted, Natural Planning Policy encourages developments to enhance environmental sustainability and make the area welcoming for endangered bat species.

Our ecological consultants will help assess the best conservation methods for your project.

Collington Winter is an environmental consultancy comprised of licensed protected species surveyors. We work alongside bat conservation trusts to safeguard endangered species across the UK. Our team holds Natural England bat licenses and European Protected Species licences, supporting our efforts to protect species impacted by development projects.

For more information on our ecological services and Chichester bat survey work, including badger surveys, please contact our Managing Director, Olivia Collington, at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk. We also offer Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) services and landscape architectural expertise.