Bat Survey Telford: Protected Species Surveys

If you’re planning a development in Telford, Shropshire, you may be asked to carry out a bat survey if it suspected that the development could disturb protected species in the area. Local authorities often require protected species assessments whilst considering planning permission grants, especially when a site may negatively impact the local environment. In towns like Telford, assessing the presence of bats is as important as in any other area and key step towards environmentally conscious development practices.

Bats’ habitats are legally protected by UK authorities, including all roosting bats and foraging areas; under the legislation, they must face no harm. Telford and Wrekin Council, which oversees planning for the Telford region, may request ecological reports to ensure a new project aligns with 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.

It is recommended that a bat survey, Telford takes place between May and September when bats are most active. If these summer surveys indicate bat activity, further surveys may be required during the less active winter months to assess the possibility of bats using the area to hibernate.

For further insights into local bat information, the Shropshire Bat Group and Bat Conservation Trust offer resources on bat species and conservation efforts in the Telford area.

Collington Winter recognise that some sights are completely unique in the work they require, so we adapt each of our assessment plans the 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 are experts in completing all manners of protected species and habitat surveys for developments across the West Midlands. Our team of experienced ecologists hold European Protected Species and Natural England Mitigation licences and are knowledgeable about local planning policies for your area, 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 planning process 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
• Biodiversity Net Gain

To discuss your project or arrange a consultation on our wide range of ecological survey services, such as a bat survey, Telford, contact Olivia Collington at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk. You can also get in touch with our enquiry and contact form, displayed on this page.