Bat Surveys
All bat species and their roosts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). Bats can be found in buildings, trees and a variety of structures, including bridges, culverts, retaining walls and other infrastructure, meaning they are frequently encountered during planning and development projects.
Where works involve the alteration, demolition or conversion of a building or structure, or the removal or management of trees with bat roost potential, a bat survey may be required to support a planning application and ensure compliance with wildlife legislation.
What Does a Bat Survey Involve?
The type of survey required depends on the site and proposed works. Surveys may include:
- Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRA)
- Ground Level Tree Assessments (GLTA)
- Aerial Tree Inspections
- Dusk Emergence Surveys
- Dawn Re-entry Surveys
- Bat Activity Surveys
- Hibernation Surveys
These surveys assess the potential for bats to be present and identify any roosts that may be affected by development.
Mitigation and Licensing
Where a bat roost is identified, mitigation measures may be required to avoid or minimise impacts. In some circumstances, a licence from Natural England may be necessary before works can proceed.
How Stour Ecology Can Help
Stour Ecology provides a full range of bat survey services for planning applications and development projects across Suffolk, Essex and the surrounding counties. We offer clear, practical advice and work closely with homeowners, architects, developers and planning consultants to help projects progress smoothly.
Need a Bat Survey?
Contact us today to discuss your project and obtain a no-obligation quotation.
| Survey Type | Survey Season |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Roost Assessment (Buildings & Structures) | Year-round |
| Ground Level Tree Assessment (GLTA) | Year-round |
| Aerial Tree Inspection | Year-round |
| Hibernation Survey | November - March |
| Dusk Emergence & Dawn Re-entry Survey | May - September |
| Bat Activity Survey | April - October |
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