Bat Survey Truro: Protected Species Surveys

If you’re starting a development project in Truro, you may be required to carry out a bat survey as part of the ecological requirements set out by your local planning authority. At Collington Winter Environmental, our licensed bat ecologists and environmental consultants specialise in delivering cost-effective ecological assessments that meet the strict standards of local authorities, supported by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

When a planning application poses a potential risk to local wildlife, particularly to roosting bats or hibernating bats, developers may be asked to submit bat surveys. These assessments are essential to ensure compliance with legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

All UK bat species—including brown long-eared bats, Greater Horseshoe bats, and Barbastelle bats—are protected by law, and any disturbance to their roosts or foraging areas must be avoided or carefully mitigated through appropriate bat mitigation measures.

The primary bat survey season runs from May to September, when bats are most active. Following the most recent Good Practice Guidelines from the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), our team conducts Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRA) as an initial step, inspecting buildings, trees, and other structures for evidence of bat activity, such as droppings or access points. If evidence is found, we may follow these surveys up with:

• Bat Emergence Surveys, conducted at dusk and dawn, using thermal imaging and bat detectors.
• Nocturnal Surveys, to monitor flight patterns, species identification, and feeding behaviour.
• Winter surveys where hibernation use is suspected.

We’re also experienced in working under a Natural England Class Licence or a European Protected Species Licence (EPSL), meaning the local environment can be attended to whilst respecting legal requirements.

Following a bat survey, our ecologists will provide clear, tailored guidance based on the findings. Depending on the level of bat activity or presence of roosts, you can expect recommendations such as:

• No further action may be needed if no evidence of bats or roosting sites is found.
• Timing restrictions to avoid work during sensitive periods (e.g., maternity season).
• Bat mitigation strategies, such as installing bat boxes, maintaining flight paths, or creating new roosting opportunities.
• Monitoring plans to ensure compliance and ongoing protection of bat species.

All recommendations will support and align with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, ensuring your project remains fully compliant.

As trusted environmental consultants operating across South West England, we are committed to helping developers meet legal obligations while contributing to the conservation of biodiversity. We take a pragmatic; site-specific approach that helps avoid unnecessary delays in the planning process—delivering surveys and reports that satisfy both ecological law and planning authority expectations.

Whether you’re at the early stages of a planning application or need expert advice on bat mitigation or protected species management, Collington Winter Environmental is here to support you.

To arrange a no-obligation consultation or discuss your project with a licensed bat ecologist, contact our Ecology Director, Olivia Collington, at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or use the enquiry form on this page.