Bat Survey Somerset
Bat activity surveys may be required for some developments to assist with planning applications during the planning process to find out whether the development could potentially impact bats in the area. Typically, the local planning authority, will let you know about the bat survey requirements for the particular site area. The need for bat surveys could also be identified during a preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA survey) otherwise known as a phase 1 habitat survey.
Bat ecological surveys detect when a bat is present or the likely absence of bats within the development area so that the planning and development process can proceed. If the survey for planning applications finds that there is evidence of bats within close proximity to a site, bat mitigation measures and compensation measures must be undertaken before any development work can proceed.
These measures are required as bats, and bat roosts within trees, are protected species under the Wildlife and countryside Act, and they are also a European protected species. Therefore, it is illegal to kill, harm or disturb bats in any way.
Bat activity in Somerset
In Somerset, levels of bat activity reaches its peak during the summer months. Therefore, this is the best time of year to carry out survey work to determine the presence of bats.
The many species of bat based in Somerset are Brown Long eared bats, Common Pipistrelle bats, Natterer’s bats, Daubenton’s bats, Whiskered and Brandt’s bats, lesser horseshoe bats and mendips bats.
Bat survey Somerset: Types of bat survey
There are two types of bat surveys which can help you to discover which bat species are present. The first is a preliminary roost assessment which involves an Ecology Consultant carrying out a site visit. Bat surveyors will carry out both an internal and external inspection of the building, looking for evidence of roosting bats, including insect feeding remains as well as bat droppings to produce a bat report.
The second type are nocturnal bat emergence surveys involve surveyors using bat detectors to record and analyse bat calls. This type of survey will be undertaken when bats are present and leaving their roosts to forage (dusk emergence surveys). Alternatively, they will operate when the bats return to their roosts ( re-entry surveys. Emergence and re-entry surveys will help to determine the number of bats in the particular area.
How can Collington Winter assist?
Collington Winter Environmental, we are an experienced ecological consultancy with extensive knowledge in undertaking bat and hibernating bat surveys using good practice guidelines. Our Ecology Director, Olivia Collington, who has worked with European protected species throughout the UK, holds a Natural England bat licence.
With a passion for ecology, we provide a range of ecological services for development projects. We have worked in a variety of sectors including minerals, residential, commercial and areas of conservation. This experience provides us with the ability to provide high quality advice whatever your development site.
We understand the importance of ecosystem services, natural resources, and natural capital, and we provide practical, realistic solutions to developers in all fields.
Please contact our Ecology Director Olivia Collington via email (Olivia.collington@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for information on a range of ecological surveys. The surveys we undertake include bat ang big bat surveys, great crested newt surveys and reptile surveys as well as many other protected species surveys. We also provide ecological appraisal and assessment ecological services in North Somerset and the surrounding areas, such as Blackdown Hills. We will endeavour to get back to any queries within one working day.
Contact Us
Registered Address
23 Bark Street East, 1st Floor, Bolton, BL1 2BQ
Cambridge Office
Future Business Centre, Cambridge Campus, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2HY
Telephone
Head Office: 01204 939 608
Dumfries Office: 01387 378208
