Bat Surveys

Project Description

All bat species in the UK are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended, and by European Directives all of which makes them a material consideration in the planning process. Should your planning application affect mature trees, built structures, bridges, disused mines, or key habitat features such as hedgerows, tree lines and woodland then it is likely that a bat survey will be required to determine how bats are using your site and the features within your site.

Bat surveys follow a phased approach;

initial daytime surveys which can either be an internal and external building assessment or tree roost assessment; and
further night time surveys (dusk emergence, dawn re-entry and activity surveys).

The scope of the further surveys depends on the results of the initial assessments. Sonar Ecology can assist and advise on bat issues throughout all stages of a project. We can deliver method statements relating to tree felling procedures where bats may be at risk, mitigation plans and license applications where required.