Rachael Thwaites
Ecological Consultant
Bat Surveys
Bat surveys are required when an action or development proposal might impact on bats. All British bats are classed as European Protected Species and as such the bats, and their roosts, are protected by law. There are different types of survey depending on different sites and situations, but all should follow Bat Conservation Trust Guidelines. Similar guidance can be also be found on the CIEEM website.
Preliminary Roost Assessment
Preliminary Roost Assessments can be carried out at any time of year. They involve an inspection of a tree or building to look for evidence of bats, such as individual bats, droppings, grease stains. As there are often no signs of bats even when there is a roost present, the surveyor will also look for the potential to support a bat roost, such as tree holes, gaps under slates or cracks in stonework. If there is the potential to support bats, the only way of finding out if there are roosts present is to carry out a more detailed survey during the summer months.
Summer Surveys
Summer surveys may include an Emergence Survey which takes place around dusk and/or a Return to Roost Survey which takes place around dawn. Both of these surveys involve watching a tree or building to determine whether any bats leave or return to a roost. These surveys can identify the species and numbers of bats and locate roosts.
Summer surveys must be carried out between May and September, when bats are occupying their summer roosts. Surveys use different numbers of surveyors depending on the size and shape of a building, in order to ensure that all of the roof can be seen at any one time.
Hibernation Surveys
Hibernacular surveys are carried to determine whether or not bats are likely to be hibernating at a site. These surveys are carried out between December and March. Like the Preliminary Roost Assessment, this involves an inspection to look for signs or potential areas which could be used as winter roosts.
Costs
As each situation is different, please get in contact for a tailored price.