Protected Species: Bats

All species of bat receive stringent legal protection under the Habitats Regulations (1994) (as amended) and the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended).  This substantial level of protection means that bat surveys must be undertaken and appropriate mitigation measures agreed before any development can be permitted that would result in disturbance or injury to bats or damage to their roosts.  The legal situation concerning bats is complicated and we are able to assist developers with interpretation and application of the law at all stages.  We employ experienced and licensed bat workers and can tailor the following package of services to the situation as required:

• Initial survey and inspection of potential roost sites, including buildings, trees and bridges.
• Emergence and dawn swarming surveys.
• Surveys of flight lines and foraging areas using heterodyne and frequency division detectors.  Analysis of recorded calls using Batscan software.
• Design and implementation of mitigation and monitoring schemes in accordance with the Bat Mitigation Guidelines (English Nature, 2004).
• Preparation of reports to support planning applications.
• Obtaining Natural England licences (preparation of Method Statements).

Links:

Mitigation Schemes

Protected Species

Bat Information Flowchart
Survey Seasons Chart

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