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Bat Surveys

Protecting Wildlife & Ensuring Compliance for Your Project.

Are you planning a construction or renovation project in the UK? Whether it’s a residential development, commercial building, or infrastructure project, it’s crucial to consider the impact your work might have on local wildlife, especially protected species like bats. This is where bat surveys become essential.

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At Focus360, we offer comprehensive bat survey services to help you navigate the complexities of wildlife legislation and ensure your project proceeds smoothly while protecting these important creatures.

Why Are Bat Surveys Necessary? The Law Protects Bats

In the UK, all bat species are afforded stringent legal protection under both domestic and European legislation. This is due to their vital role in ecosystems, their declining populations in some areas, and the vulnerability of their roosts.

Legal Framework

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended): This act makes it illegal to intentionally capture, kill, injure, or disturb bats. It also prohibits damage or destruction of their breeding sites or resting places (roosts), even when bats are not present. Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017: This legislation further strengthens the protection of bats, classifying them as European Protected Species. It requires developers to obtain a licence from Natural England before undertaking any work that might affect bats or their roosts.

The Habitats Directive: This European Union directive provides an overarching framework for the protection of habitats and species of European importance, including bats. It obliges member states to take measures to maintain or restore populations of protected species at a favourable conservation status.

Implications for Your Project

This robust legal framework means that failing to consider the presence of bats on your development site can have serious consequences. These can include:

Legal Action: If your project is found to have harmed bats or their roosts without the necessary licences, you could face prosecution, fines, or even imprisonment.
Project Delays: If bats are discovered during construction, work may be halted until a mitigation plan is approved and implemented, leading to costly delays.
Planning Refusals: Local planning authorities have a legal duty to consider the impact of development on protected species. If your project is deemed to pose a risk to bats, it may be refused planning permission.

Bat Surveys:

Frequently combined with the following additional services:

Tree Surveys and Reports

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Environmental Impact Assessments

BREEAM Assessments

Energy Performance Certificates

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Bat Surveys: Your Legal and Ethical Obligation

Conducting a bat survey before starting any development project is not just a legal requirement; it’s a responsible approach that demonstrates your commitment to protecting wildlife.

Bat surveys help you identify the presence of bats, assess the potential impact of your project, and develop appropriate mitigation measures. By working with a licensed ecologist, you can ensure your project complies with the law, avoids costly delays, and contributes to the conservation of these fascinating and ecologically important creatures.

When Do You Need a Bat Survey?

You might need a bat survey if your project involves:

Demolition or renovation of buildings: Bats often roost in old buildings, so it’s important to check for their presence before any work begins.
Tree felling or pruning: Trees can provide roosting sites for bats, so surveys are needed before any tree work is carried out.
Construction of new buildings or extensions: New developments can disrupt bat flight paths or foraging areas, so assessments are essential to identify potential impacts.
Changes to land use: Converting land from one use to another, such as from agricultural land to a housing development, could affect bat habitats.

Our Bat Survey Services

Focus360 offers a full range of bat survey services to meet the specific needs of your project:

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA): A walkover survey to identify potential bat roosts based on visual inspection and knowledge of bat ecology.
Bat Activity Surveys: These involve multiple site visits at dusk and dawn to observe and record bat activity using specialised equipment like bat detectors.
Emergence/Re-entry Surveys: These surveys involve monitoring known roosts to determine the number and species of bats present and their flight patterns.
Bat Mitigation and Licensing: If bats are found to be present, we can develop mitigation strategies to minimise the impact of your project. This could involve creating alternative roosting sites or adjusting the timing of work to avoid sensitive periods. We can also assist with obtaining the necessary licences from Natural England and/or other licensing bodies.
Habitat Enhancements: We can advise on how to enhance the surrounding habitat to benefit bats and other wildlife, creating a more sustainable and biodiverse environment.

Why Choose Focus360 for Your Bat Surveys?

Expert Ecologists: Our licensed bat surveyors have extensive experience and knowledge of bat ecology and UK wildlife legislation.
Tailored Approach: We tailor our surveys to the specific needs of your project, ensuring a thorough assessment and appropriate mitigation strategies.
Commitment to Conservation: We are passionate about protecting wildlife and work closely with clients to find solutions that benefit both development and conservation.
Cost-Effective Solutions: We strive to provide cost-effective bat survey services without compromising on quality or thoroughness.

Bat Surveys: A Win-Win for Development and Conservation

Conducting thorough bat surveys is not just about meeting legal obligations; it’s about responsible development that respects and protects our natural heritage. By working with Focus360, you can ensure your project proceeds smoothly, with minimal risk of delays or legal challenges, while demonstrating your commitment to protecting bats and the environment.

Don’t leave bat surveys to the last minute. Contact Focus360 early in your project planning to discuss your specific needs and ensure a seamless integration of bat conservation into your development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a bat survey always required for my project?

The need for a bat survey depends on multiple factors, including the type of project, the location of the site, and the presence of potential bat habitats.

However, it’s always best to consult with a qualified ecologist early in your project planning to assess the risks and determine if a bat survey is necessary. This proactive approach can save you time and money in the long run by avoiding potential delays or legal issues.

When is the best time to conduct a bat survey?

The optimal timing for bat surveys depends on the species present and the type of survey needed. Generally, the active season for bats in the UK is between May and September, with peak activity in the summer months.

However, some surveys, such as preliminary roost assessments, can be conducted year-round. Focus360’s ecologists can advise on the most appropriate timing for your specific project.

What happens if bats are found on my property?

If a bat survey identifies the presence of bats or their roosts, it doesn’t automatically mean your project is doomed. Focus360 can help you develop a bat mitigation plan to minimise the impact of your development on these protected species.

This may involve creating alternative roosting sites, adjusting the timing of work to avoid sensitive periods, or implementing measures to protect bat foraging and commuting routes. In some cases, a European Protected Species (EPS) licence may be required from Natural England to allow work to proceed legally.

How much does a bat survey cost?

The cost of a bat survey can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and complexity of the site, the number of surveys required, and the level of detail needed.

Focus360 offers competitive pricing for bat survey services, and we’re committed to providing transparent and upfront quotes tailored to your specific project.

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