Bat Survey in Newtown: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey in Newtown can help establish whether bats are present within buildings, trees, structures or other areas affected by proposed development. Carrying out the right ecological surveys early can help identify potential issues and make the planning application process more straightforward.

Bats are protected by law. They are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Bats are also classed as a European Protected Species, meaning that developers must take care not to disturb bats, damage their habitats or destroy bat roosts.

If bats are found on or near a development site, the local planning authority may require further surveys and appropriate mitigation before granting planning permission. Failing to deal with protected species issues early can lead to delays or changes to a proposed development.

Bat activity is generally highest during the warmer months, making spring and summer a suitable time for many bat surveys.

A number of bat species can be found in and around Newtown, including:

• Common pipistrelle
• Soprano pipistrelle
• Nathusius’ pipistrelle
• Brown long-eared bat
• Daubenton’s bat
• Whiskered bat
• Brandt’s bat

If bats are identified during a survey, further assessment may be required. The type of survey needed will depend on the site, the proposed work and the initial findings.

The type of bat surveys required will depend on the findings of the initial assessment and the nature of the proposed development.

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): A PRA is often the first stage of a bat survey. An ecologist will inspect buildings, trees and other structures for potential roost features. These could include cracks, gaps, cavities, roof spaces, lifted tiles and other areas where bats could roost.

The survey will also look for signs of bats, such as droppings, feeding remains or staining. The results will help determine whether further bat surveys are needed.

Bat Emergence and Re-entry surveys: If a PRA finds suitable features or signs of bats, an emergence and re-entry survey may be required. These surveys are usually carried out around dusk or dawn. Surveyors use specialist equipment to detect bat calls and establish whether bats are leaving or returning to a roost.

The surveys can help identify:

• Whether bats are using the building or structure
• Which bat species are present
• The location and type of bat roost
• How bats are using the site

Nocturnal bat surveys: Nocturnal bat surveys are carried out after dark to monitor bat activity. They can help identify the different bat species using a site and show how bats use surrounding habitats. This can include identifying important flight routes and foraging areas.

The results can help determine how proposed works could affect bats and whether mitigation is required.

Hibernation surveys: Some buildings, trees and other structures may provide suitable conditions for bats to hibernate. A hibernation survey can assess features such as caves, tunnels, mines and tree cavities. These surveys are carried out carefully to avoid disturbing bats during the winter months.

Whether a hibernation survey is required will depend on the site and the results of previous assessments.

Collington Winter Environmental provides specialist ecological survey for development projects. Our licensed ecologists have the relevant Natural England and European Protected Species licenses for bat survey work.

We provide a practical approach to ecological assessments, helping developers understand potential constraints and deal with them at an early stage.

If you require a bat survey in Newtown, contact us at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk.