Bat Surveys

Bat Surveys

Bat Surveys

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What are Bat Surveys?

Bat surveys are used to identify bats or their habitats (roosts) before demolishing a building or requesting planning permission. They are essential when a project involves the demolition or modification of a structure in such a way that bats or their roosts could be directly impacted if present. Finding bats and their roosts is a skilled operation that requires specialised ecologists.

Types of Bat Surveys Explained

(1) Bat Roost Inspection Surveys
These surveys are often the first step in assessing a planning application regarding bats. They involve a detailed external and internal inspection of a structure to assess for bat entry/exit points and roosting locations. Roost inspection surveys are useful in answering the following:

  • Are actual or potential bat roosts present (if so, where)?
  • How many bats may these roosts support?
  • Where are the bat roost access points located?
  • What is the current arrangement of vegetation and lighting in relation to the access points?

Roost inspection surveys may need to be followed by a Bat emergence survey if doubt remains as to whether the roosts are in active use by bats.

 

(2) Bat Emergence Surveys
These surveys involve ecologists visiting at dusk to observe bats emerging from roosts. They are carried out to answer the following questions:

  • Are bat roosts present or likely to be absent?
  • Which bat species use the site?
  • At what time of year are bats present (summer or winter roost)?
  • What flight lines do the bats use after emerging from the roost?

The emergence survey results are used to determine the site’s level of importance to bats and whether mitigation measures are required.

 

(3) Bat Activity Surveys
These surveys are required when development proposals are likely to impact habitats suitable for bat flight paths, foraging and social behaviours. They involve transect surveys as well as static bat detector surveys. A transect survey involves an ecologist using bat detectors to search for bats. Static detector surveys involve leaving bat detectors in targeted locations for 5-7 days at a time. Activity surveys are carried out to answer the following questions:

  • What are the activity levels of bats on the site, and are their peaks in activity?
  • What are bats using the site for?
  • How are the habitats used on site connected to habitats in the surrounding area?
  • How does lighting impact bat behaviour on-site?

 

(4) Lesser Horseshoe Bat Surveys
Where developments are proposed in areas of importance for Lesser Horseshoe bats, Lesser Horseshoe Bat surveys are often necessary. Such surveys are a common Request for Information (RFI) subject.

What's the Process?

If the bat surveys identify bats using a proposed development site, the site will need to be assessed, and several factors will be considered. These factors include, but are not limited to:

1. Determining the Site’s Use by Bats: Identification of how the bats are utilising the site, such as foraging, commuting, roosting, mating, etc.

2. Considering the Time of Year: Evaluation of the specific times of the year when bats are using the site.

3. Assessing the Nature of the Proposed Works: Review of the details regarding the proposed development or activities planned for the site.

4. Reviewing the Existing Land Use: Consideration of the current use of the land and how it may affect or be affected by the presence of bats.

Once this data has been collected, we can provide guidance on how best to proceed!

Who Needs Bat Surveys?

Homeowners & renovators carrying out works on older buildings, roofs, or attics, where bat roosts are most commonly found.

Property developers & construction firms managing demolition, refurbishment, or new-build projects that require planning permission.

Architects & planning agents preparing or supporting planning applications where a local authority has requested ecological information.

Landowners & site managers assessing land or structures ahead of a change of use or redevelopment.

Why Choose Southern Scientific?

Established environmental consultancy: our bat surveys are backed by an experienced team that delivers our wider environmental, chemical, and ecological testing work, so you have one point of contact if your project needs more than one type of survey.

Experienced ecology team: our ecologists work across a range of survey types nationwide, including bats, birds, and habitats.

Clear, practical reporting: results and recommendations written with your planning application in mind, not just raw survey data.

Straightforward quotes: tell us about your site and timeline, and we’ll put together a tailored plan.

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