Bat Survey Tyne and Wear: Protected Species Surveys

If you are planning a development in the Tyne and Wear area, you may be required to undertake a bat survey to comply with ecological planning regulations. Local authorities often request assessments for protected species before granting planning permission, particularly where development could affect local wildlife. In areas like Tyne and Wear, evaluating the presence of bats is an important part of the planning process.

Bats are legally protected in the UK, and it is an offence to disturb their roosts or foraging areas. North Tyneside Council, which oversees planning in the Tyne and Wear region, may request ecological reports to ensure compliance with legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

At Collington Winter, our licenced ecologists provide straightforward, expert guidance to developers and homeowners, supporting projects while safeguarding local biodiversity.

Bat surveys are undertaken between May and September as this is when bats are most active in the North East of England. If these initial surveys confirm bat activity, follow-up assessments may be needed during the winter to check for hibernation sites. The Bat Conservation Trust can provide more information on this.

Each site is different, so we tailor our assessments to match the specific characteristics of your development and surrounding environment. The main methods of bat surveys 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 potential roosting 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 completes a large number of bat surveys in Tyne and Wear and the Newcastle upon Tyne area each bat season. Our experienced team holds Natural England Species licenses, allowing us to work efficiently while meeting legal and ecological requirements.

Whether you’re preparing a planning application or looking to ensure your project is wildlife-friendly, our team is here to support you. Alongside bat survey work, we also provide:

• Great crested newt surveys
• Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs)
• Landscape architecture services

To discuss your project or arrange a consultation on our wide range of services, such as a bat survey in Tyne and Wear, contact our team at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk. You can also reach us through our enquiry and contact form, which is displayed on this page.