Bat Survey Darlington: Protected Species

Bat surveys are a vital part of many project planning applications to investigate any present bat activity, which is necessary to conserve during the project development process. Many wild species, including bats and birds, are protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning it is illegal to injure, kill, damage or destroy bats or a bat roosting place. Therefore, a bat survey, Darlington can inform planning applications on the correct measures to implement when protecting vulnerable bats that could be present on a site.

Preliminary Roost Assessment:  A Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) can determine whether bats are likely to be roosting in a specific building or structure.

This assessment is an important first step in the process of assessing the potential impact of project development on bat species on the site and in the area. Our consultants will examine the internal areas of a site, followed by an external inspection, and record any evidence of bat roosting at the time, such as insect-feeding remains and bat droppings.

Bat emergence and re-entry surveys: A bat emergence survey or a re-entry survey will typically be performed to monitor entry and exit points to provide information on the location, species, and population of the bats.

To encourage accurate results, these surveys are carried out on multiple occasions over a period of time to collect a substantial range of data.

Nocturnal bat surveys: A nocturnal bat survey is conducted during the night to observe and record bat activity and behaviour. These surveys are essential for monitoring bat populations, identifying species, and assessing their habitats. 

A local planning authority, such as Darlington Borough Council, will usually advise project developers based in Darlington on the type of survey needed. For further guidance on the correct treatment of bats, visit the Chartered Institute of Ecology website.

Collington Winter Environmental are an ecological consultancy boasting extensive experience in environmental impact assessments and protected species surveys nationwide. Our team hold Natural England Licences and work with protected species across the UK alongside bat conservation trusts. It is our priority to ensure a project will land with mutual benefit to developers and the surrounding wildlife.

Please get in touch with our Managing Director Olivia Collington (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for more information on our wide range of ecological services and protected species survey work, including bat surveys and great crested newt surveys. We also provide preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) services alongside landscape architectural services.