Bat Survey Stoke-on-Trent: Protected Species Surveys

If you’re planning a development in the City of Stoke-on-Trent, you may be asked to carry out a bat survey to meet ecological planning requirements. Local authorities often require protected species assessments whilst considering planning permission grants, especially when a site may impact the local environment. In Cities like Stoke-on-Trent, accredited with vast heritage and historical buildings, assessing the presence of bats is a key step in the development process.

Bats’ habitats are legally protected by UK authorities, including all roosting bats and foraging areas; under the legislation, they must face no harm. Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which oversees planning in the Stoke-on-Trent 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 ecology professionals provide clear, practical support for developers and homeowners alike, helping to keep projects on track while respecting local nature and wildlife.

The best time to complete a bat survey, Stoke-on-Trent area, is the time between May and September when bats are most active. If initial surveys during this period indicate bat activity, further surveys may be required during the less active winter months to assess the likelihood of hibernating bats.

For a deeper dive into local bat information, the Staffordshire Bat Group and Bat Conservation Trust offer resources on bat species and conservation efforts in the Stoke-on-Trent area.

Every site is different, so we personalise our assessments to work with 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 conducted 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 look forward to completing a large number of protected species and habitat surveys across Stoke-on-Trent and the UK each bat season. Our team of experienced ecologists hold 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 can help make the process as smooth as possible. 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 Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, 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.