Bat Survey Pembrokeshire: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey in Pembrokeshire assesses whether bats are present in structures, buildings, or trees on development sites. Incorporating these ecological surveys into project planning is crucial for ensuring bat-related considerations are properly addressed during the planning application process.

If a local planning authority determines that bats are present near a proposed development site and no mitigation measures have been implemented, they have the legal power to intervene – potentially delaying or even preventing the project. Bats and their roosts are fully protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Project developers are responsible for ensuring that proposed works do not damage, destroy, or obstruct access to bat roosts. As a protected species under both UK and European legislation, bats are now recognised as being at risk. Bat survey play a key role in identifying appropriate mitigation measures, supporting planning permission applications, and promoting effective habitat management to help safeguard bat populations.

In Pembrokeshire, the peak season for bat activity surveys falls during the summer months, making it the most suitable time to carry out bat activity assessments. These surveys help identify roosting locations and estimate local bat populations. If bats are detected during a summer survey, a follow-up assessment in winter may be required to determine if the site also functions as a hibernation spot.

South West Wales 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 Pembrokeshire typically follows a structured process, which is essential for effective bat mitigation design and implementation:

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 number of bats, locate roosting sites, and their commuting routes.

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, ensuring comprehensive and dependable evaluation. We take a strategic and efficient approach to ecological services, helping to minimise projects delays while promoting the conservation of local wildlife in South Wales.

Please contact our Managing Director Olivia Collington (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for more information on a bat survey, Pembrokeshire. Additionally, we take on other types of protected species survey work, such as badger and great crested newt surveys. We also provide ecological impact assessment services alongside preliminary ecological appraisals (PEAs).