Bat Survey Powys: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey, Powys, may be a crucial requirement when seeking planning permission for new developments in the county. Local planning authorities frequently require ecological assessments to ensure developments comply with environmental protection laws. In Powys, this often includes checking for the presence of bats—a protected species under UK and Welsh legislation.

Bats are an integral part of South Wales’s natural biodiversity, and their roosts must be safeguarded. In recognition of this, Powys County Council supports measures that minimise disruption to wildlife during construction and land development. At Collington Winter Environmental, our experienced ecological consultants are ready to support your project by carrying out the necessary bat surveys in line with legal and planning requirements.

Our surveys are conducted in accordance with relevant legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Planning authorities in Powys may halt or prevent planning proposals if bat habitats are at risk and suitable ecological mitigation strategies have not been considered.

It is advisable to undertake surveys on developments in Powys between May and September when bats are most active. If evidence of roosts is discovered during these months, further surveys may be needed in winter to identify potential hibernation sites.

For information about the European Protected Species and activity, which may be recorded in Powys, the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust and Bat Conservation Trust websites offer valuable resources for developers and homeowners alike.

Our approach to bat surveys includes the following methods:

• Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): A consultant inspects buildings or trees for bat signs such as droppings, staining, or entry points. This visual assessment determines whether further survey work is needed.
• Dusk and Dawn Emergence Surveys: These surveys track bats as they exit or return to their roosts. Using tools like bat detectors and thermal imaging cameras, we gather data to support planning applications and mitigation strategies.
• Nocturnal Surveys: Conducted at night to monitor flight paths, feeding behaviour, and species identification through echolocation recordings.

Our team holds Natural England licences and has vast experience delivering bat and other protected species surveys throughout the UK. We work quickly and professionally to ensure planning processes stay on track while prioritising ecological responsibility.

If you’re developing land in Powys and require expert guidance, contact our team at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk to discuss your bat survey needs. We also offer services such as great crested newt surveys, PEAs, alternative ecological surveys, and landscape architecture support.