Bat Surveys in Truro: Protected Species Surveys

If you are planning a development project in Truro, you may need to undertake a bat survey as part of the ecological requirements set by your local planning authority. At Collington Winter, our experienced bat ecologists and environmental consultants provide practical, cost-effective ecological assessments designed to meet planning requirements and relevant species regulations, including the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Where a planning application could affect local wildlife, particularly buildings, trees or habitats that may support bat roosts, a bat survey may be required. These surveys help identify potential risks and ensure appropriate measures put in place to protect legally protected species.

The appropriate survey type will depend on the nature of the site and the potential for bats to be present. Common surveys include:

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): A Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA), sometimes referred to as a bat scoping survey, is often the first stage of a bat assessment. It typically combines a review of available ecological information with a site inspection.

An ecologist will examine buildings, trees and other structures for features that could provide suitable roosting opportunities. Evidence such as droppings, feeding remains, staining, bat sightings and potential access points may also be recorded. The findings help establish whether a bat roost is likely to be present and whether additional surveys are required.

Bat Emergence surveys and Dawn Re-entry surveys:  Where a building or structure has suitable features for bats, a bat emergence and re entry survey (BERS) may be required. These surveys are undertaken around dusk and, where appropriate, dawn to establish whether bats are emerging from or returning to potential roosting locations.

Specialist detectors can record bat echolocation calls, helping ecologists identify species and understand patterns of bat activity. The results can then inform suitable mitigation plans

Nocturnal bat surveys: Nocturnal bat surveys are undertaken after dark to assess bat activity across a site. These surveys can help identify which bat species are using an area, where bats are feeding or commuting, and how proposed development could affect bats and their habitats.

Hibernation surveys: Some developments may require surveys to assess whether bats use buildings, structures, tunnels or tree cavities during winter. These surveys are undertaken carefully to minimise the risk of disturbing hibernating bats.

As experienced environmental consultants operating across South West England, Collington Winter Environmental helps developers understand and meet their ecological responsibilities without creating unnecessary delays to the planning process.

Our pragmatic, site-specific approach ensures that survey requirements are identified at an early stage, allowing potential ecological constraints to be addressed before they become obstacles to a planning application. Whether you need an initial assessment, detailed bat emergence surveys or advice on mitigation, our team can provide the specialist  bat ecologist services required.

If you’re preparing a development proposals and need a bat survey in Truro, Collington Winter can help. Contact us today at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk for a free quote.