Bat Survey, Bournemouth
What is a Bat Survey?
Bat activity surveys are required for some developments to assist with planning applications during the planning permission process to find out whether the development proposals could impact bats in the area.
Typically, the local authority will let you know the details on bat survey requirements in the area. The need to undertake bat ecological surveys could also be identified during a PEA survey (Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Survey).
Bat surveys detect the presence or absence of bats within the development area so that the planning and development process can proceed. If the survey finds that there is evidence of bats in close proximity to a site, compensation and bat mitigation measures must be undertaken before any development work is permitted to proceed.
These measures are required as bats, and bat roosts, are protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and they are also a European protected species under UK and European Legislation. Therefore, it is illegal to kill, harm or disturb bats in any way.
Bat Survey, Bournemoth: Bat Activity
The active season for bats in Bournemouth is at its peak during the summer months. Therefore, this is the best time of year to carry out roost survey work to determine the presence of bat roosting.
The many species of bat that are likely to be found in Bournemouth are Natterer’s bats, Daubenton’s bats, Whiskered bats, Brandt’s bats, and Common Pipistrelle bats.
Types of Bat Survey
There are two types of bat surveys which can help you to discover whether signs of bats species are present. The first ecological service is a preliminary roost assessment which involves an Ecology Consultancy carrying out a site visit. They will carry out both an internal and external inspection of the building (including the roof tiles/slates), looking for evidence of roosting bats, including insect feeding remains as well as bat droppings.
The second type are nocturnal bat emergence surveys. Emergence and re-entry surveys involve surveyors using bat detectors to record and analyse bat calls. These surveyors will operate either when bats are leaving their roosts to forage (dusk emergence surveys) or when the bats return to their roosts (dawn re-entry surveys) to determine the number of bats.
How Can Collington Winter Assist?
Collington Winter Environmental are experienced ecologists with extensive knowledge in undertaking bat and hibernating bat surveys using good practice guidelines. Our Ecology Director, Olivia Collington, holds several licence applications, including the Natural England bat licence and has worked with protected species throughout the UK.
Please contact our Ecology Director Olivia Collington via email (Olivia.collington@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for information on cost bat protected species surveys, such as bats and great crested newts. We also provide ecological appraisals and assessment services.
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