A bat survey is an ecological assessment to determine the presence and activity of bats in or around a building or development site. It's required when planning applications involve buildings with potential for bat roosts, such as older buildings, barns, churches, or structures with suitable roosting features like roof spaces, wall cavities, or wooden beams.

The duration depends on the type of survey. A Preliminary Roost Assessment typically takes 2-4 hours. Activity surveys require multiple visits during the bat active season (May to September), with each survey lasting 2-3 hours around sunset or sunrise. The entire process can take 2-4 months to complete all required surveys.

Preliminary Roost Assessments can be conducted year-round, but activity surveys must be carried out during the bat active season from May to September when bats are most active. The optimal time is between May and August. Weather conditions also affect survey timing - surveys cannot be conducted during rain, strong winds, or very cold temperatures.

If bats are found, you'll need a European Protected Species (EPS) licence from Natural England before any work can proceed. We'll help you develop a mitigation strategy that may include providing alternative roost sites, timing restrictions for work, and ongoing monitoring. The presence of bats doesn't necessarily stop development, but it requires careful planning.

Costs vary depending on the type and scope of survey required. A Preliminary Roost Assessment typically ranges from £300-£600. Activity surveys cost £400-£800 per visit, with multiple visits usually required. We provide detailed quotes based on your specific project requirements and site characteristics.

Yes, all UK bat species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. It's illegal to deliberately capture, kill, disturb, or injure bats, or to damage or obstruct their roosts. This protection applies even when bats are not present.

We use professional bat detectors that convert ultrasonic bat calls into audible sounds, infrared cameras for night vision, weather monitoring equipment, and specialized software for call analysis. Our equipment meets industry standards and is regularly calibrated to ensure accurate results.

While you can conduct a basic visual inspection, professional bat surveys require specialized equipment, training, and experience to identify bat species and assess roost potential accurately. For planning applications, surveys must be conducted by licensed ecologists with appropriate qualifications and experience.

Our comprehensive reports include site description, survey methodology, weather conditions, findings and observations, species identification, assessment of roost potential, recommendations for mitigation if required, and maps/photographs. Reports are written to meet planning authority requirements and British Standard guidelines.

Bat survey results are typically valid for 12-18 months, though this can vary depending on local planning authority requirements and the nature of the proposed development. If significant time has passed or site conditions have changed, updated surveys may be required.