Bat Surveys Durham: Protected Species Surveys

Bat Surveys in Durham are a vital part of the planning process, especially where there is a potential impact on roosting bats or their habitats. Bats are a protected species under UK law, specifically the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. This legislation means that development work that could disturb bats or their roosts requires proper assessment and licensing.

There are many forms of protected species surveys are required by local planning authorities as part of planning permission applications. If there is any likelihood of the presence of bats, a licensed ecological consultant must complete survey work. At Collington Winter Environmental, we undertake bat surveys across Durham and the wider North East region. Our qualified ecologists hold Natural England licences and are highly experienced in identifying bat activity, advising on mitigation, and supporting the licensing process.

Bat surveys can only be carried out at specific times of the year to ensure accuracy. The main survey season is from May to September, when bats are most active. Undertaking bat surveys outside this period is limited and usually applies only to certain types of assessments, such as winter hibernation checks.

We offer a full range of bat survey options depending on your site and planning needs:

• Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): A daytime assessment of a building, tree, or structure for signs of bats such as droppings, staining, or access points.
• Dusk & Dawn Surveys: Observation of bat emergence and return patterns.
• Nocturnal Surveys: Night-time monitoring of bat flight paths, feeding areas, and species presence using acoustic and visual tools.

These surveys help determine whether mitigation or further ecological management initiatives are needed before work can proceed.

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.