Bat Survey Sussex: Protected Species Surveys

A bat survey, Sussex, may be necessary to meet ecological requirements for new project developments in and around the area. Ecological survey requirements for new sites are often in accordance with local planning policies. Therefore, bat surveys are necessary to determine whether bats may be present on new project sites in and around Sussex.

Putting in the work to protect bat habitats and roosting sites is a high priority for local councils in order to minimise risks to bats and other potentially endangered species. Collington Winter Environmental has a team of skilled ecologists ready to provide the efficient ecological services that your development proposal needs.

Working alongside important legislation, such as The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, a local planning authority, such as West Sussex County, East Sussex County, or Mid Sussex District Council may feel it necessary to intervene. prevent a project from going forward if they believe actions to protect bats have been neglected.

Bat activity surveys on development sites in Sussex are best completed between May and September, aligning with the peak bat activity season in the South East of England. If evidence of bat presence can be identified during this period, additional winter surveys may be required to assess the potential presence of bats during the winter hibernation period.

Amongst the 18 species of bat common in the UK, those likely to be found in Sussex are the Brown Long Eared bat, the Greater Horseshoe bat, the Barbastelle bat and Brandt’s bat. Further advice regarding bat activity in Sussex can be found on the Sussex Bat Group website.

Typically, the process of conducting a bat survey follows a structured approach that helps inform a detailed bat report and mitigation strategy:

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): Initially, it is common practice to assess whether bats are likely to be roosting in a building or structure. This is a crucial part of understanding how a proposed development might impact local bat populations. The consultant will perform both internal and external inspections of the site, looking for signs of bat activity, such as droppings or visible entry/exit points.

Bat Emergence Surveys: If bat activity is suspected following the preliminary survey, more detailed emergence and re-entry surveys will be necessary. These surveys provide key information about bat behaviour, roost locations, and feeding habits.

• Dusk surveys are conducted at sunset to observe when bats leave their roosts, while dawn surveys occur at sunrise to monitor when they return.
• The use of specialist equipment such as bat detectors and thermal imaging cameras helps collect data with minimal disturbance to the bats.

Nocturnal Bat Surveys: As bats are active during the night and rely on echolocation, nocturnal surveys are used to observe nighttime behaviour. These surveys allow consultants to track bat movements, feeding areas, and flight paths. Equipment like bat detectors and sometimes radio tracking is used to monitor their activity and identify the types of species present.

After the surveys are completed, the consultant will provide a report with:

• A list of recommendations for mitigation, which could include steps to protect the bats during construction, such as the installation of bat-friendly features like dedicated bat roosting sites or bat boxes.
• Suggestions for the timing of construction to avoid key periods for bat activity, such as during breeding or hibernation seasons.
• Advice on how best to go forward with the development to minimise any impact on bat populations.

Collington Winter Environmental is an ecological consultancy based in the North West with a wealth of experience in conducting protected species survey for developments of all sizes and scales. Our team holds Natural England Class Licences and collaborates with bat conservation trusts to protect and manage species throughout England and Wales. Our approach to ecological surveys follows a tried and trusted strategy, designed to minimise delays while supporting local wildlife.

Please get in touch with our Managing Director Olivia Collington (info@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for more information. Additionally, we take on other types of protected species survey work, such as great crested newt surveys. We also provide preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) services alongside landscape architectural services.