Bat Survey Overton-on-Dee: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey in Overton-on-Dee helps to identify whether bats are present in structures, buildings, or trees on development sites. Incorporating these ecological surveys into project planning is crucial for addressing bat-related factors during the planning application process.

If a planning authority finds that bats are present near a proposed development site and no mitigation measures are in place, they have the legal authority to take action. This can result in project delays or even a complete halt until measures are put in place. This is supported by legislation such as The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Project developers have a responsibility to ensure that proposed works do not harm bats or destroy or block access to their roosts. As bats are classified as a species at risk, they are legally protected under both UK and European legislation. These surveys help evaluate the necessary mitigation measures to secure planning permission and ensure proper habitat management, aiming to prevent further harm to the bat population.

In Overton-on-Dee, the peak season for bat surveys falls during the summer months, making it the optimal time to carry out bat activity assessments. These surveys help identify roosting sites and estimate local bat populations. If bats are detected during a summer survey, a follow-up assessment in winter may be required to determine whether the site is also used for hibernation.

The Overton-on-Dee area is home to a diverse range of bat species, including the common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, Nathusius’ pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat, Daubenton’s bat, whiskered bat, and Brandt’s bat.

Conducting a bat survey in Overton-on-Dee typically follows a structured process, which is essential for creating an effective 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 building 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 number 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.

For Good Practice Guidance for Bats, visit the Chartered Institute of Ecology website.

Collington Winter Environmental is a specialist ecological consultancy providing protected species assessments for a broad range of development projects. Our licensed bat ecologists hold both Natural England and European Protected Species licenses. We take a strategic approach to bat surveys, helping to minimise delays while supporting the protection of wildlife.

Please get in touch with our Managing Director Olivia Collington (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for more information on a bat survey, Overton-on-Dee. Additionally, we take on other types of protected species survey work, such as badger and great crested newt surveys.