Bats
Why do I need to consider bats?
Bats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended and the Conservation of Species and Habitat Regulations 2017 (as amended). This legislation makes it illegal to:
- Capture, kill or injure bats
- Damage or destroy a breeding or resting place used by bats
- Disturb a bat whilst it is in a place of shelter or protection
- Obstruct access to their resting or sheltering places
- Possess, sell, control or transport live or dead bats, or parts of bats
- Intentionally or recklessly disturb at bat while it is occupying a roost whether bats are present or not.
- Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a roost whether bats are present or not.
Where are bats found?
A range of bat species are found throughout the UK, with the diversity of species declining as you move north. Bats will utilise a range of opportunities to roost, including buildings, bridges, caves and trees.
Bats will forage across a range of habitats, though favour structurally diverse woodland, mature hedgerows, diverse grassland and scrub and waterbodies. They are generally found within areas of scrub, mature hedgerows and woodlands.
When do I need to consider bats?
Bats need to be considered when works will impact upon potential roost sites, such as built structures or trees or where areas of foraging habitat are to be impacted.
What does a survey consist of?
Survey will follow the latest Bat Conservation Trust Guidance and initially will likely comprise a daytime risk assessment in the first instance to confirm the suitability of the site to support bats, whether roosting or whether it is likely to form a commuting route or foraging area.
Following the initial assessment, further activity surveys may be required. While the initial suitability assessment can be completed year-round, targeted activity surveys need to be undertaken during the “active season” (April to October), with the optimal period being June to the end of August.
What can OS Ecology provide?
OS Ecology Ltd. have completed hundreds of bat surveys and have inhouse experts with knowledge and experience of undertaking assessments ranging from householder renovations through to landscape scale development and those that impact designated sites.
Our team hold class licences for the species, including Classes 3&4 which allow advanced survey techniques to be utilised.
The team hold numerous mitigation licences (Natural England & Nature Scot) and one is also a registered consultant on the Low Impact Class Licence for the species and have held Scientific Licences to undertake research.