Bat Survey Dawlish: Protected Species

A bat survey, Dawlish, may be required when embarking on a new project development to uphold necessary ecological commitments, support the preservation of habitats, and minimise risk factors to bats. Strategic measures must be put in place to protect bat species across the UK. 

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 legal ability to delay or even prevent a project from receiving planning permission if they believe bat roosts have been disturbed or damaged, or if bats could be harmed in any way.

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.

Bat Emergence Survey and Dawn Re-entry Surveys:  If necessary, after a PRA, a bat emergence survey or a re-entry survey will be performed to monitor the bats with a closer eye to provide more information on the bat’s behaviour, including breeding and feeding rituals.

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. 

Hibernation surveys: Between November and March, hibernation surveys are conducted to locate bats hibernating in spots such as caves, mines, tunnels, and tree cavities.

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 both 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 a bat survey, Dawlish, and 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.