Bat Survey Newport: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey, Newport, can help to assess whether bats are present in structures, buildings, or trees on development sites. Integrating these ecological surveys into project planning is crucial for addressing bat-related concerns during the planning application process.

If a local planning authority determines that bats are present near a development site and appropriate mitigation measures have not been implemented, it has the legal power to intervene – potentially delaying or even preventing the progress of the project. Bats are also protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Project developers have a legal responsibility to ensure that any planned works do not harm, destroy, or block access to bat roosts. As bats are now classified as a species at risk, they are protected under both UK and European legislation. With the aim of mitigating further damage to the bat population, bat surveys and assessments are often crucial for new developments to assess the mitigation measures needed for planning permission and habitat management.

In Newport, bat activity peaks during the summer months, making this the ideal time to carry out bat activity surveys. These surveys help locate roosting sites and provide estimates of local bat populations. If bats are identified during a summer survey, a further assessment may be necessary in winter to determine whether the site is also used for hibernation.

South Wales is home to several bat species, including the common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, Nathusius’ pipistrelle, brown long-eared, Daubenton’s bat, whiskered bat, and Brandt’s bat.

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

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): The initial survey carried out is known as a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA), or a bat scoping survey. It involves a desk-based review of existing bat records and local databases, alongside a physical inspection of the site. During the visit, trees, buildings, and other structures are examined for signs of bat activity. Evidence may include droppings, feeding remains, or possible entry points. The aim of this assessment is to identify whether there is any evidence of bat presence and to determine if more in-depth surveys are required.

Bat Emergence and 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, locate roosting sites, and identify species.

Nocturnal bat surveys: A nocturnal bat survey is an ecological assessment carried out after dark to monitor and record the behaviour of bat species. Since bats are most active at night, these surveys are an effective way to study local populations, identify different species, and evaluate their use of the surrounding habitat.

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

These bat surveys can be used for a bat method statement to outline steps to be taken to protect bats and their habitats.

Collington Winter Environmental is a specialist ecological consultancy providing protected species assessments for a wide range of development projects. Our team holds Natural England and European Protected Species licenses, ensuring that every assessment is carried out with accuracy. We assist with other protected species surveys, including badger surveys, otter surveys, reptile surveys, water vole surveys, preliminary ecological appraisals, and great crested newt surveys.

Get in touch today by completing one of our contact forms. Alternatively, for more information on a bat survey, Newport, please contact one of the team on 01204 939608.