Bat Survey Slough: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey, Slough, is an important part of the planning application process, helping to identify any potential concerns related to bat presence on a development site. These surveys assess whether bats are occupying buildings, trees, or other structures within the proposed area.

Bats and their roosts are protected under legislation such as The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which safeguards all bat species, along with their nesting and roosting habitats. If a local planning authority determines that these legal protections have not been properly considered or that required ecological surveys are missing, they may withhold or refuse planning permission.

In England and Wales, it is a criminal offence to deliberately harm, kill, or disturb bats, or to block access to their roosts. As such, implementing effective bat mitigation and enhancement measures is essential. These measures not only support bat conservation but also help to minimise the risk of planning delays or the refusal of planning consent.

Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment: A Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA), also referred to as a bat scoping survey, is typically the first assessment to undertake to determine whether bats are likely to be present on a development site. This step also helps to assess the potential extent of impact that a development project may have on bat species present both on-site and in the surrounding area.

Bat emergence and re-entry surveys: If a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) suggests the possible presence of roosting bats on a site, dusk emergence or dawn re-entry surveys are usually conducted to observe bat activity in and around potential roosts. These surveys focus identifying entry and exit points, providing deeper insight into bat behaviour, and gathering evidence such as bat droppings.

Our experienced bat ecology consultants use specialist bat detectors to monitor bat activity in a non-intrusive manner over multiple site visits, minimising any disturbance to bats.

Nocturnal bat surveys: This ecological survey focuses on observing and recording bat activity and behaviour at night, as bats are primarily nocturnal. In summary, these bat activity surveys are beneficial for monitoring bat populations and identifying habitats and species.

Following a bat survey, a bat report will be provided to advise developers on the necessary actions to protect any bats identified on-site. If mitigation measures are not sufficient to avoid disturbance or harm, a method statement will outline appropriate compensatory strategies to minimise the potential impact.

Common recommendations often include:

Timing of works – As many bat roosts are seasonal and more active during warmer months, scheduling work at suitable times of the year can help reduce the risk of disturbance.

Roost restoration or creation – If roosts cannot be preserved, they should be recreated to mimic natural bat habitats, taking into account factors such as location and access points. In some cases, developers may integrate bat-friendly features directly into new structures.

Long-term habitat management – Surveys help determine how bats use the site—whether for roosting, foraging, breeding, or hibernation. Ongoing management, such as preserving vegetation or planting insect-attracting flora, can support local bat populations and improve habitat quality over time.

At Collington Winter, our qualified ecologists carry out bat surveys tailored to meet the requirements of both local authorities and our clients. Our qualified ecology team is fully licensed by Natural England and holds European Protected Species licences. We collaborate closely with developers across the UK, to help achieve a successful planning application from the local planning authorities.

Our Managing Director, Olivia Collington (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk), is happy to provide more information on our wide range of protected species work, including bat surveys, water vole surveys and great crested newt surveys. We also provide preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) and Biodiversity Net Gain services. Get in touch for a free quote today.