Bat Surveys
Why might I need this?
There are 18 species of bat in the UK and all are fully protected by law. Any development of a site housing a bat roost will require a European Protected Species Licence. Bat surveys are therefore often required by the local planning authority.
Survey calendar
The first survey is usually a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) which can be carried out at any time of year. Dusk activity surveys can be carried out between May and September inclusive. Tree climbing surveys can be carried out at any time of year. Bat hibernation surveys are usually undertaken in January and February.
What does it entail?
PRA - this is an initial survey to determine the potential that a building has for bats to be roosting there. A surveyor will examine the building internally and externally including the loft spaces looking for signs of roosting bats including bat droppings, feeding remains and dead bats.
Dusk activity surveys - surveyors observe all aspects of the building at dusk looking for emerging bats. Night vision aids and audio recording equipment are used and recordings analysed following the survey.
Tree climbing surveys -
Report vaildity
A bat report is usually valid for two years.
Did you know?
Bats are the only true flying mammal in the world.