Bat Surveys in Winter
Why would I carry out survey for potential bat roosts in winter?
It might not be the time of year we typically associate with bat activity, but winter can be an ideal time to assess a site for potential bat roosts, and is the required time for hibernation surveys for bats following the BCT (2023) guidance for preliminary roost appraisal and ground level tree assessment.
Where trees have no leaves the visibility of potential roosting features and tree health is significantly improved, and surveyors investigating trees will often be able to make an assessment from the ground much more efficiently. If potential roosts are observed, and trees are found to be safe for climbing, Bakerwell licensed bat surveyors and experienced tree climbers will then have more information on areas to target, reducing their time working at height. This makes for a safer approach to aerial bat surveys that is preferable from a design and management perspective, as well as reducing costs of surveys.
Gathering data early about the potential for bats roosting at your site also means that if further surveys or mitigation measures are found to be necessary, there is plenty of time to plan for them and consider your options without the pressure of seasonal deadlines. Bakerwell can help you to plan around seasonal constraints in advance, reducing the likelihood of unexpected delays and creating the most efficient, cost-effective strategy to carry out your works.
Why do we need to think about bats?
Many UK bat species are endangered, vulnerable, or near threatened, and all face substantial environmental risks. Intentionally harming, killing, or posing a disturbance to bats, alongside damaging or obstructing access to places that they rely on for shelter or breeding purposes can all be criminal offences. Bats have lots of different types of roosts, and they don’t always occupy them all of the time, some are only in use for parts of the year, and some are even only in use for parts of the day. All roosts which bats regularly inhabit remain protected even if bats are not currently present.
Roosts are often found in close proximity to people, for example in garden trees or loft spaces. Therefore, determining the presence of or the roosting potential of bats in a building, structure, or tree is often an important part of informing a planning decision, even for a domestic project. Luckily, all of the ecologists here at Bakerwell are well-versed in the world of bats and are more than happy to help.
When should I carry out bat surveys?
We advise building the preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) and preliminary (bat) roost assessment (PRA) ecology surveys into initial project preparation. This way evidence of bats does not need to hinder your project as you can plan for the right survey season.
Knowing what we are working with gives us the necessary information to identify how your plans might impact bats or their roosts. The earlier we know your proposal, and survey results, the more time we will have to work with you to inform the design and timeline for your project and identify any seasonal constraints to keep in mind.
Having your preliminary bat roost assessment done early means that we can be prepared for all outcomes. Knowing your planning application will need to be supported by bat surveys results ahead of the survey season will mean you can book in your surveys in advance, ensuring your timescale is accommodated – for example, summer season for day and maternity roosts, and where required, winter surveys for hibernating bats.
Why would my site need hibernation or maternity surveys for bats?
Bat hibernation and maternity roosts are particularly important to the survival of bats as these type of roosts are more limited in number than day roost locations, bats often gather in number at these locations where climatic conditions are stable and comfortable. Loss of these types of roost is a greater risk to the conservation status of bats, and therefore, retention of the roost in situ if possible is the preferred solution requiring careful consideration of works timing and methodology. Replacement roosts can be created if the roost cannot be maintained in situ, however, mitigation measures are less flexible than for day roosts. Bakerwell will guide you through the survey type necessary to inform your planning proposal and if required licence application.
What if your site has bat roosting features, or evidence of bats?
We understand that it can be stressful facing new unexpected dimensions to your initial plans. Rest assured, Bakerwell ecologists will provide clear, experience led communication to understand your project and the likelihood for impacts to bats. Where impact to bats or their roosts are possible, we explain the process for mitigation and associated timeline. Bakerwell use their experience to design site specific project relevant mitigation in line with best practice guidance for bats.
Where possible Bakerwell will help you to develop a bespoke plan to design out, and therefore, avoid impacts to bats and their roosts. Where impacts cannot be avoided Bakerwell will help support you in obtaining the relevant licence to carry out otherwise illegal activities, and to design and implement mitigation measures in line with the condition of the licence.
Bakerwell is a CIEEM registered practice that can offer preliminary roost assessments (PRAs), ground level tree assessments (GLTAs), aerial bat tree inspections, hibernation surveys, and more throughout winter.
Bakerwell's licensed bat surveyors and climbers have a wealth of knowledge and experience working with planning, different types of building roosts, arboriculture, and hazardous trees; including emergency and development licensing. Our staff adopt a thorough approach to bat surveying and roost assessments, and are knowledgeable on current best practice and survey guidelines.
If you have any questions or would like to find out about our availability, see our website , or contact us at [email protected].
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