Bat Survey Tamworth: Protected Species Surveys

Developments in Tamworth, whether large or small, often face certain ecological planning requirements, such as a bat survey, as part of the planning process to ensure compliance with environmental legislation. Bats are a European Protected Species; therefore, their roosts and habitats are safeguarded under both English and Welsh law, particularly the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Local authorities, including Tamworth Borough Council, may request a bat survey if there is a potential risk of disturbing bat habitats. In such cases, appropriate ecological assessments and mitigation 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 has extensive experience conducting bat and other protected species surveys and are proud holders of Natural England Protected Species Licences, ensuring legalities are taken care of whilst nurturing the local environment.

Bat surveys should be undertaken during their most active season, from May to September. During this time, bat presence and activity in North Wales is more likely to be assessed effectively. Should summer surveys indicate the presence of bats, winter surveys may also be needed to determine whether hibernating bats are present.

Further guidance on bat conservation in Wales 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 and will help put together an informative and well-evidenced bat survey report:

• 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 discuss the range of survey services we offer or arrange a bat survey, Tamworth with an experienced ecologist, contact Olivia Collington at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk. We also offer ecological surveys for a wide range of species, including trees. Additionally, we are happy to provide Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), and landscape architecture services throughout the region.