A Bat Survey is ordinarily triggered when there is to be:
Ordinarily, the form of initial survey required is a 'scoping survey' designed to investigate the presence of bats and / or the potential presence of bats. This is often in association with a survey for nesting birds.
The outcome of the scoping survey dictates the next course of action:
Emergence Surveys
Emergence surveys are intended to prove that the building is or is not a bat roost. If bats are recorded, the survey records the access / exit point used by the bats, the numbers and species present. A decision is then taken on how to proceed. This could mean a Mitigation - Method Statement or an Natural England European Protected species Licence (EPSL). The exact requirements are dealt with on a case by case basis.
Activity Surveys
Activity surveys are often required where development is to take place in a previousy undeveloped area such as agricultural fields or brown field site which has reverted back to a more natural state.
Each site is individually rated as either:
Low Habitat Value
– One Visit Per Season (April – May / June – August / September – October) +
Five nights automated recording per season
Moderate Habitat Value
– One Visit Per Month (April – October) +
Five nights automated recording per month
High Habitat Value
– Two Visits Per Month (April – October) +
Two automated recorders (ten nights) per month
The objective of the survey is to ascertain what if any bat species frequent the area and thus devise an appropriate mitigation scheme to ensure that bats using the site, are not impacted by the proposals.
Survey effort is normally conducted in accordance with Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) guidelines or upon the guidance of the LPA Ecologist.
Please call us on 0800 888 6846 / 07736 458609