Bat Survey Epsom: Protected Species Surveys

A Bat Survey, Epsom, is one of the many protected species surveys that may be an ecological requirement when applying for planning consent for a new project. As bats are a protected species, survey work to identify the presence of bats can inform a mitigation plan when undergoing development works to avoid the risk of unnecessary disturbance or harm to bats.

It is important to note that many local planning authorities may be legally obliged to delay or prevent a planning application if bats are found to be present and bat protection measures have not taken place. Bats are protected under legislation, such as The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Such regulations mean it is a criminal offence to capture, injure or kill a bat. Therefore, the proposed works should not damage or destroy a bat roost or deliberately obstruct access to a bat roost under any circumstance. With the aim of preventing further damage to bat populations in the UK, carrying out bat surveys and assessments can ensure that a project development supports a safe and welcoming space for bat species whilst obtaining planning permission.

When undertaking a bat survey, Epsom, our consultants could come across any of the species of bats currently active in the UK. Epsom happens to host a wide range of bats, including:

• Common Pipistrelle
• Soprano Pipistrelle
• Nathusius’ Pipistrelle
• Brown long-eared bat
• Noctule bat
• whiskered bat
• Brandt’s bat
• Leisler’s bat

It is recommended that bat surveys are carried out during May and September, as this season witnesses a peak in bat activity. Should evidence of bats be recorded during the summer months, wintertime surveys are sometimes required to assess the possibility of bats using the site to hibernate.

The main types of bat activity surveys in Epsom include:

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): The first type of survey is the Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA), also known as a bat scoping survey. PRA surveys involve 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, identify species, and assess their habitats. A nocturnal bat survey is highly beneficial to the conservation of habitats, ecological assessments, and the determination of the nature of the impact on the surrounding environment of development projects.

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.

Recommendations to expect following a Bat Survey Epsom

Following any bat survey will be an instructive method statement to inform project developers of the necessary steps to take to protect bats that are present on a development site. Recommendations may inform the timings of works, suggest ways to restore or recreate roosts with bat boxes, and long-term management and maintenance.

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.

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

Get in touch with our Managing Director, Olivia Collington (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk), for more information on the range of ecological services we offer (such as in relation to Badgers and Great Crested Newts) as well as other locations we undertake bat survey work. We also provide Preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) and landscape architecture services to support your project. Alternatively, contact one of the team on 01204 939608