Bat Survey Gateshead: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey, Gateshead, helps to determine whether bats are present in buildings, structures, or trees on development sites. Incorporating these surveys into project planning is essential for addressing concerns related to bats during the planning application process.

Local planning authorities typically advise applicants if a bat activity survey is necessary and provide guidance on conducting ecological assessments. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 were introduced to protect wildlife in the UK, particularly species vulnerable to development.

All bat species, along with their breeding and roosting sites, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If bats are found on a site, it is illegal to harm, injure, or obstruct their access to roosts by damaging their habitat. Therefore, implementing bat mitigation measures is crucial to ensuring an environmentally responsible development.

Preliminary Roost Assessment:  A Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) should be conducted initially to determine whether bats are likely to be roosting in a specific building or structure. These surveys include an internal and external inspection of the site.

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.

Bat emergence and re-entry surveys: If a PRA determines there could be potential to support roosting bats, a bat emergence survey or a re-entry survey will typically be performed to monitor further bat activity. An emergence and re-entry bat survey includes monitoring entry and exit points to provide information on the location, species, and population of the bats.

These surveys are carried out on multiple occasions over a period of time to collect a substantial range of data and encourage accurate results. Our bat consultants use bat detectors to monitor bat activity without causing unnecessary disturbance to the bats.

Nocturnal bat surveys: A nocturnal bat survey is an ecological survey conducted at night to observe and record bat species’ activity and behaviour. These surveys are essential for monitoring bat populations, identifying species, and assessing their habitats. Nocturnal bat surveys are often carried out as part of ecological impact assessments and conservation efforts related to development projects.

At Collington Winter Environmental, we offer expert professional guidance to our clients. Our ecological consultants are licensed by Natural England and hold European Protected Species licenses. We work closely with bat conservation trusts and developers to protect endangered bat species across the North East while facilitating the planning permission process.

Please contact our Managing Director, Olivia Collington (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for more information on our wide range of bat risk assessment work and other protected species survey work. We also provide preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) and assessment services.