Bat Survey Luton: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey, Luton, may be necessary to meet ecological requirements for new project developments in and around the area. Ecological survey requirements for new sites are often in accordance with local planning regulations. Therefore, Bat surveys are a necessary step to determine whether protected bats may be present on development sites in Luton.

Prioritising bat habitats and roosting sites is a priority for local councils to minimise risks to bats and other endangered species. Collington Winter Environmental has a team of skilled ecologists ready to provide the efficient ecological services that your development proposal needs.

Working alongside important legislation, such as The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, a local planning authority, such as Luton Parish Council, may be obliged to intervene with a project if they believe actions to protect bats have been neglected.

Bat activity surveys on development sites in Luton should be conducted between May and September, aligning with the peak bat activity season in Bedfordshire. If evidence of bat presence is identified during this period, additional winter surveys may be required to assess the potential presence of hibernating bats.

Further advice regarding bat activity in the Borough of Luton can be found on the Bedfordshire Bat Group Website.

Typically, the process of conducting a bat survey follows a structured approach that helps inform a bat mitigation strategy:

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): Initially, it is practical to assess whether bats are likely to be roosting in a building or structure. This is a crucial part of understanding how a proposed development might impact local bat populations. The consultant will perform both internal and external inspections of the site, looking for signs of bat activity, such as droppings or visible entry/exit points.

Dusk and Dawn Emergence Surveys: If bat activity is suspected following the preliminary survey, more detailed emergence and re-entry surveys will be necessary. These surveys provide key information about bat behaviour, roost locations, and feeding habits.

• Dusk surveys are conducted at sunset, to observe when bats leave their roosts, while dawn surveys occur at sunrise to monitor when they return.
• The use of equipment such as thermal imaging cameras and automated bat detectors helps collect data with minimal disturbance to the bats.

Nocturnal Bat Surveys: Since bats are active during the night and rely on echolocation, nocturnal surveys are carried out to observe their nighttime activities. These surveys allow consultants to track bat movements, feeding areas, and flight paths. Equipment like bat detectors and sometimes radio tracking is used to monitor their behaviour and identify the species present.

After the surveys are completed, the consultant will provide a report with:

• A list of recommendations for mitigation, which could include steps to protect the bats during construction, such as the installation of bat-friendly features like roosting sites or boxes.
• Suggestions for the timing of construction to avoid key periods for bat activity, such as during breeding or hibernation seasons.
• Advice on how best to go forward with the development to minimise any impact on bat populations.

Collington Winter Environmental is an ecological consultancy with a wealth of experience in conducting protected species surveys across the UK. Our team holds Natural England Class Licences and work to protect and manage species throughout the country. Our approach to ecological surveys is strategic and efficient, designed to minimise delays while supporting local 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.