Bat Surveys Dunblane: Protected Species Surveys

Bat Surveys, Dunblane, are an important requirement for many development projects, especially those that may impact local wildlife or sensitive habitats. As European Protected Species, bats and their roosts are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Any activity that could disturb bats or affect a roost site must be supported by appropriate ecological assessments and survey data.

Local planning authorities in and around Dunblane may request a bat survey as part of the planning application process. If there is evidence of bats or suitable habitat on-site, a qualified ecological consultant must carry out the relevant type of survey to meet both legal obligations and conservation standards.

At Collington Winter Environmental, we provide a full range of bat and ecological survey services across Scotland and the wider UK. The team of licensed ecologists at CWE hold Natural England Protected Species Licences and bring a high level of expertise to each project. We support developers in balancing planning requirements with protected species in mind.

Bat Surveys are best conducted between May and September when bats are active, and their behaviour is easier to observe and record. If bats are confirmed on-site during the summer, additional surveys may be needed in the winter months to assess the potential for hibernation use.

A member of our ecology team will recommend the most suitable type of survey based on the particular project and site conditions. Our most frequently instructed services include:

• Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) – A visual inspection of buildings, trees, or structures to search for evidence of bats, such as droppings, access points, or staining.
• Dusk and Dawn Surveys – Monitoring bat activity during emergence at dusk and re-entry at dawn using acoustic detectors and night-vision tools.
• Nocturnal Activity Surveys – Observations during the night to document bat flight paths, feeding areas, and species presence using echolocation monitoring.

Our findings will help inform necessary mitigation strategies and the best steps to take if a bat roost is confirmed on-site.

If you require a bat survey in Dunblane or advice from a trusted ecological consultant, please get in touch with Collington Winter Environmental. We provide Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Landscape Architectural Support, and a wide range of environmental services to guide the success of developments and the natural environment surrounding them.

In addition to bat surveys, we offer assessments for other protected species, including great crested newts, breeding birds, and otters.

Email a member of our team at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk, call 01204939608, or fill out or the enquiry form below to start ticking off your development’s ecological requirements today.