Bat Surveys
Any development that could impact bats requires an appropriate bat survey to be carried out as part of the ecological assessment. All UK bats are highly protected, being European Protected Species.
Typically, a bat survey will include an internal bat survey, bat emergence surveys or a bat activity survey (also called a 'dusk survey') and a dawn survey (or 'pre-dawn survey'). These bat surveys will aim to assess the presence of bats within bat roosting structures such as buildings, bridges and trees.
PJC Consultancy carries out a number of bat surveys including:
- Day-time bat surveys, including an initial habitat assessment (the potential of the site to support roosting, commuting and foraging bats) and an inspection of all potential bat roosting structures.
- Dusk surveys to assess the species and numbers of bats leaving potential roosting sites.
- Dawn surveys to assess the species and numbers bats swarming or returning to potential roosting structures.
- Bat activity surveys to evaluate the commuting and foraging activities of bats.
- Underground site surveys and tree surveys to assess these for bat roosting potential.
All our bat surveys are undertaken by experienced bat surveyors with at least one Natural England bat license holder on site each time. Specific in-house training is provided to our ecologists and the equipment used by our ecological consultants includes bat detectors (Bat Box), recording devices, endoscopes and bat sound analysis software.
A Bat Development License, granted by Natural England, is required before the commencement of any development that might affect bats or their roosts. PJC Consultancy can apply for a license on your behalf and propose a detailed mitigation strategy for the site, involving provisions of alternative bat roosting sites and commuting and foraging grounds for the future. Bat mitigation strategies can include the erection of bat boxes, a dedicated bat attic or a purpose built bat roost. Mitigation strategies for foraging and/or commuting bats may include the retention of vegetation in-situ or the addition of a planting scheme within landscaping proposals.
To discuss a bat survey or the production of a bat mitigation strategy, please call us on 01323 768155 or use our enquiry form.
