Bat Survey Ipswich: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey, Ipswich, may be a necessary step to uphold the ecological commitments of a new project development in and around the Ipswich area. Supporting the preservation of bat habitats and roost sites is fundamental for local councils with the aim of preventing the risk of harm to bats alongside other endangered species. Collington Winter Environmental has a team of experienced ecologists who are willing to provide assistance when undertaking any protected species surveys for development proposals in Ipswich.

Supported by important legislation, such as The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, local planning authorities are authorised to intervene with a project if they believe actions to protect bats have been neglected.

If a survey has recorded the presence of bats, a duty of care is bestowed upon project developers to allow bats to reside amongst the new development. Strategic measures must be put in place to prevent further decline of bat species across the UK, including in Ipswich.

When undertaking a bat activity survey on a proposed development site in Ipswich, common European protected species our consultants may identify include the Common, Soprano and Nathusius’ pipistrelle bats, the brown long-eared bat, the whiskered bat and Brandt’s bat.

It is best to conduct bat surveys between May and September, as this season witnesses the peak of bat activity across the South of England. Should bat presence be recorded during the summertime, wintertime surveys are sometimes required to assess for hibernating bats.

Further advice regarding bat activity in Ipswich can be found on the Suffolk Bat Group Website.

A bat survey process will usually follow a structure similar to the one below and will inform a bat mitigation strategy:

• Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): This initial survey determines whether bats are likely to be roosting in a building or structure. It is an important first step in evaluating the potential impact of the proposed development on local bat species. Consultants will conduct both an internal and external inspection of a site for any signs of bat roosts, such as bat droppings.
• Bat Emergence and Re-entry Surveys: If bat activity is detected after the preliminary survey, an emergence or re-entry survey may be necessary. These surveys track bat movements, including entry and exit points to buildings, providing valuable insights into bat behaviour, roosting locations, and feeding habits. They are typically conducted multiple times, both day and night, using equipment like thermal imaging cameras and automated bat detectors to minimise any disturbance to the bats.
• Nocturnal Bat Surveys: Since all UK bat species are nocturnal and use echolocation, nocturnal surveys are an effective way to monitor their activity and behaviour. These surveys are typically performed at night to gather detailed data on bat behaviour and activity levels.

At the conclusion of the survey work, a list of recommendations will be presented to a development on how best to support any bats on site. This can include specific design and implementation recommendations to protect or replicate bat roosting spots. Furthermore, guidance for the best timing of works may be included.

Collington Winter Environmental are an ecological consultancy boasting extensive experience in environmental impact assessments and surveys nationwide. Our team hold Natural England Class Licences and works with protected species across the UK alongside bat conservation trusts. We take a streamlined approach to protected species surveys to best support developers and surrounding wildlife.

Please get in touch with our Managing Director Olivia Collington (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for more information Additionally, we take on other types of protected species survey work, such as great crested newt surveys. We also provide preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) services alongside landscape architectural services.