Contact us on: 07528 966 988

Protected Species Surveys - Experts in Bat Surveys

We provide a comprehensive range of bat survey and licensing services for a wide range of project types and planning requirements. We have significant experience with projects concerning heritage structures such as listed buildings, churches etc. The use of technology and appropriate equipment ensures we provide comprehensive survey work and analysis, to provide accurate and reliable results and advice. We also undertake initial Barn owl assessments and additional protected species surveys.

Bat Survey and Licensing Services include:

Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) - These surveys can be carried out at any time of year and is the initial site visit to assess the potential for bats to be present. This involves a detailed external and internal building inspection.

Emergence (and Re-entry) Surveys - Limited to the peak bat active period between May and August/September. Subject to the findings of the initial site survey (PRA), upto 3 bat emergence (or re-entry) surveys may be necessary to confirm bat presence/absence. These involve an appropriate number of experienced surveyors and appropriate equipment being positioned around the survey structure to view elevations and building features for any bat activity;
Hibernation surveys - A variety of survey methods can be used to undertake bat hibernation surveys and these are carried out between December and February.

Activity surveys - These are carried out between April and October, consisting of night-time bat walkover surveys and/or static bat detector surveys. However, a variety of methods may be used subject to site specifics.
Tree and Woodland surveys - These involve a variety of survey methods to confirm bat presence/absence and characterise all roosts. Survey work is proportionate to the scale of impact, and both individual, groups of trees or woodlands can be assessed.
Advanced licence bat survey techniques - Mist netting and Harp trapping to further assess species assemblage and breeding status, it may also involve the location of foraging and/or roosting habitat.
Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) / Site supervision - This is often required as part of a mitigation strategy or a precuationary approach to works, and involves the presnec eof a suitbaly licensed bat ecologist to directly oversee works and advise contractors of the most appropriate working methods.
Bat Mitigation Licences: Applications can be made for a Bat Mitigation Class Licence CL21 / Individual Bat Mitigation Licences A13 / Bat Earned Recognition Class Licence CL47 / Bats in Churches Class Licence (BiCCL).

Bat surveys are seasonal with some survey types restricted to certain periods of the year. In turn it is advantageous to contact an ecologist early within the planning phase of a project so that surveys can be timed appropriately. Please contact us and we can discuss your requirements and ensure the bat surveys are commenced as soon as possible.

We have extensive experience, skills and knowledge of surveying a range of structures for both small and large scale projects. Please see our Previous Projects page for some examples.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Training Sessions

We can provide training events or informal presentations regarding all aspects of bats and bat surveys such as basic bat ecology, legal protection, mitigation and licensing etc. This is often a useful means for architects and building surveyors and managers to understand the need and requirement for bat surveys; what information is required by the consultant and the Natural England licensing processes.

A useful means of gaining information applicable as continuing professional development required by many official member bodies.

These sessions can be useful for:

Architects
Historic building and structural managers
Construction and roofing contractors
Woodland managers and arboriculturalists

Mountfield Ecology have also provided bat walks and talks to interested groups and organisations.