Bat Survey East of England: Protected Species

A Bat Survey, East of England, is one of many ecology surveys which may be required when submitting an application for planning permission to support the preservation of bats. 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 before 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.

It is a project developer’s duty of care to see to it that proposed works do not damage or destroy bat roosts and allow bats to live harmoniously alongside new developments. With the aim of preventing further damage to bat populations in England, conducting bat surveys and assessments can ensure that a project development remains committed to supporting ongoing habitat preservation.

The main types of bat activity surveys in the East of England include:

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): The first type of survey 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 are necessary.

Bat Emergence and Dawn Re-entry surveys:  If evidence suggests that bats may be present, an Emergence and Re-entry Survey is carried out. These surveys are conducted at dusk and dawn, using static bat detectors to record echolocation calls. They 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 at 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 and assess their habitats. 

Hibernation surveys: During the winter months, hibernation surveys are conducted to locate bats in hibernation sites, such as caves, mines, tunnels, and tree cavities. Surveyors inspect these locations during the winter months, taking extra precautions not to disturb bat hibernation.

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

Collington Winter Environmental is an ecological consultancy offering protected species assessment services to all kinds of project developments . We have extensive experience in providing bat ecologist services, including preliminary root assessments, emergence and re-entry surveys and nocturnal bat surveys. Our consultants hold Natural England and European Protected Species licences and perform informative and reliable project assessments around the country every year.

Get in touch with our Managing Director, Olivia Collington (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk), for more information on other habitat services we offer, such as 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.