Bat Survey Swansea: Protected Species Surveys

Developments in Swansea—whether in rural or urban settings—may require a bat survey as part of the planning process to ensure compliance with environmental legislation. Bats are a European Protected Species, meaning bat roosts and habitats are safeguarded under both English and Welsh law, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Planning authorities, including Swansea Council, may request a bat survey if there is a potential risk of disturbing bat habitats. In such cases, appropriate assessments and strategies must be implemented to support the planning application and avoid delays or refusals.

Collington Winter Environmental provides professional ecological consultancy services tailored to meet these requirements. Our team of licensed ecologists regularly undertake bat surveys and other protected species assessments and holds Natural England Protected Species Licences, ensuring legal compliance while supporting sustainable development.

Bat surveys should be undertaken during the active season, from May to September, when bat presence and activity in North Wales can be accurately assessed. Where roosting bats are suspected, winter surveys may also be needed to determine whether hibernating bats are present.

For more information about bat conservation efforts based in South Wales, relevant guidance can be found through organisations such as the Bat Conservation Trust.

The type of surveys performed will depend on what our ecological consultants deem appropriate:

• Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): Visual inspections of the building, searching for evidence of bat activity, such as bat droppings, staining, or access points.
• Dusk & Dawn Surveys: Monitoring of bat emergence and re-entry using thermal imaging and acoustic detectors.
• Nocturnal Surveys: Nighttime monitoring of bat flight paths, feeding patterns, and species identification through echolocation.

To arrange a bat survey, Swansea with an experienced ecologist, why not get in touch with us today at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk. We also offer a wide range of ecological surveys for unique species, including Badger Surveys, Otter Surveys, and Water Vole Surveys. Moreover, we are adapted to provide Dormouse Surveys, Great Crested Newt Surveys, and Reptile Surveys.

Aside from protected species assessments, we also offer a variety of ecological services for developments concerning trees. Additionally, we are happy to provide Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) and landscape architecture services throughout the Welsh region.