Understanding the Need for Bat Surveys in the Neorth East
Bats are safeguarded by strict laws, including the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If your development will affect bats or potentially disturb bats in their roosts, you must act responsibly. The first stage in the bat survey process is an assessment called a preliminary roost assessment (PRA) – a crucial report that is frequently required by planners.
Failing to demonstrate that you have considered all other protected species – such as those assessed in great crested newt surveys and reptile surveys – can halt your planning process. When undertaking development projects in the North East, gaining approval from the local planning authority means demonstrating a commitment to local wildlife. Our professional ecologists are here to provide expert advice, undertake protected species surveys, and help you avoid a situation where a criminal offence is committed.
As a protected species, bats and their presence on or near your development sites can present ecological constraints that must be managed. Our independent ecological consultancy is here to make sure your project in Newcastle upon Tyne stays on track. We offer a full range of ecological surveys, ensuring we meet all good practice guidelines and legal requirements.
Local Bat Ecology and the Northumberland Bat Group
The ecology of North East England is unique, and local groups like the Northumberland Bat Group play a vital role in monitoring bat roosts and the health of bat species in the region. We are familiar with the common species that support roosting bats across the urban parks and green spaces of the city, and we also know that daubenton’s bats are often found hunting over local water bodies. Our goal is to ensure that even a potential bat roost does not prevent your proposed development from moving forward.
Before any detailed bat surveys or other ecology surveys begin, we can provide a preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) – a report covering the full ecological landscape, encompassing everything from bird surveys and other habitat surveys to bat concerns. If our initial survey indicates a likely absence, we proceed to the final stage quickly. Then, if bats are confirmed, we work with Natural England / Natural Resources Wales to prepare and implement the necessary measures. Our team ensures that all information is compiled into a clear and concise bat survey report to hand to the local planning authority.
The Essential Stages of the Bat Survey Process
The bat survey process is designed to determine if bats present a risk to your project. It starts with an initial site visit and a detailed internal and external inspection of the buildings or trees known as a preliminary roost assessment, allowing us to search for field signs of occupancy, such as bat droppings or feeding remains near potential entry and exit points. We specifically look at features like gable ends on older buildings and structures near the River Tyne or the vast Town Moor area.
If the initial assessment suggests roosting potential, we proceed to the more detailed phase 2 surveys. During the summer months, when many species of bats are active, we conduct bat emergence surveys. Also known as bat activity surveys or dusk entry and dawn re-entry surveys, the further surveys are undertaken using high-sensitivity bat detectors to pick up the bat calls of species like the noctule bat or soprano pipistrelle bat.
Key instructions for bat surveys including the timing, methodology and general guidance are outlined in the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) guidelines.
Rely on Arbtech for Surveys, Reports and Suitable Mitigation
Once we have completed the preliminary roost assessments, bat activity surveys or a mix of the two and confirmed the status of all bat roosts, we will determine the appropriate mitigation measures required, such as setting up bat boxes nearby to provide alternative homes. If you need a license to proceed, we can guide you through the process of applying for a specific European protected species licence.
We are committed to helping you successfully submit your planning applications and move towards the next steps. By choosing our team, you benefit from our experience as ecological consultants who provide tailored advice and high-quality reports. For a bat survey – Newcastle or in another nearby location – speak to Arbtech and get assurances that your project can proceed legally and efficiently.
Take the first step today by filling out a contact form on our website, calling our team directly or sending us an email. As long as you give us as much information as you can about your site, project and needs, we will be able to give you an accurate free quote for you to consider. Once you’ve given us the go-ahead, we can plan a date to conduct a bat survey on your site and help you with securing planning applications.
