Bat Survey St Helens: Protected Species Surveys

If you’re planning a development in or around St Helens, you may be obliged to carry out a bat survey to meet ecological planning requirements. Local authorities often require protected species assessments before granting planning permission, especially when a site may impact local wildlife. In towns like St Helens, with its mix of historic landscape and protected habitats, assessing the presence of bats is a key step in the development journey.

Bats are protected under UK law, and their habitats – including all roosting and foraging spots – must not be harmed or disturbed. Local planning authorities such as St Helens Borough Council, which oversees the region, may request ecological reports to ensure projects meet legal standards such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

At Collington Winter Environmental, our licensed ecology team deliver the right support for developers and landowners across the country, helping to keep project developments on track while respecting council requirements, and most importantly, nature.

The best time to survey for bats in Merseyside, including the St Helens area, is between May and September when bats are most active and visible. If initial surveys during this period indicate bat presence, further surveys may be required during the winter months to assess hibernation activity.

For additional information on bat activity and species of bats present in St Helens, the Merseyside and West Lancashire Bat Group offer resources on bat species and conservation efforts in the area.

Every project is different, so we tailor our assessments to match the specific characteristics of your development and surrounding environment. Our most frequently used methods include:

• Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): This is the first step, where one of our ecological consultants completes a visual inspection of the building site (internal and external, trees, structures) to check for any signs of bat activity such as droppings, staining, or access points.
• Bat Emergence and Re-entry Surveys (Dusk and Dawn): If evidence of bat roosts is found, we carry out observations at dawn and dusk using thermal imaging and bat detectors to document when and where bats enter or leave the site.
• Nocturnal Surveys: These are done at night to track bat behaviour, such as feeding patterns, species identification, and flight routes. We use specialist acoustic and tracking equipment to minimise disruption while gathering detailed data.

Collington Winter Environmental completes a large number of protected species and habitat surveys across England and Wales each bat season. Our experienced team holds Natural England Protected Species Licences, allowing us to work efficiently while meeting all legal and ecological responsibilities.

Whether you’re submitting a planning application or simply want to ensure your project respects the local wildlife, we’re here to help. In addition to bat surveys, we also offer:

• Great crested newt surveys
• Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs)
• Landscape architecture services

To discuss your project or arrange a consultation on our wide range of services, such as a bat survey in St Helens, contact Olivia Collington at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk. You can also reach us through our enquiry and contact form, which is displayed on this page.