WILDLIFE EXCLUSION FENCING
Bat Surveys and Mitigation
Bats are the only true flying mammals, 17 species of which are native to the UK. Their nocturnal feeding habits mean they are secretive and often utilise less developed areas such as woodlands, grasslands, watercourses and hedgerows to satisfy their insectivorous diet. Bats can however be seen in more urban areas with the most common bats species, common pipistrelle, preferring to roost in buildings throughout the summer.
Bat species have suffered a massive decline over the last century due to pressures from deforestation, development and the intensification of farming practices. In addition, the roosting habits of bats mean they are highly sensitive to change in roosting conditions. Because of the recent decline in numbers, bats are now strictly protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. This means it is an offence to kill, injure or disturb bats or destroy their roosts. These types of impacts are likely during developments which involve removal of buildings, trees and potential bat foraging areas such as hedgerows.
Bat surveys are often required to assess likely impacts a development may have on bat populations and in particular their roosting sites. These types of surveys are normally requested by the local planning authority however many developers are now instructing these surveys at an earlier stage to prevent delays in the future.
BL Ecology have extensive experience undertaking bat surveys, with licensed ecologists who can provide daytime scoping surveys (all year round) or full activity surveys (restricted to May-August) which will assess the presence or absence of bats and potential bat usage of the site. The findings will be issued in a full report which outlines the results and suggested mitigation if bats are present.
Finding Bats and Licensing
If bats are revealed during the survey this does not mean an end to a project! BL Ecology can work with clients to provide a design which will mean no or reduced impacts on bats. Where impacts are unavoidable we can apply for a licence with Natural England to disturb and remove any bat roost habitat safely. This licensed work will normally involve constructing replacement roosts and hand demolition of structures or trees.
Low Impact Licensing
BL Ecology has a registered consultant under the Low Impact Class Licence Scheme, therefore sites that meet certain criteria can be registered under this licence within a much quicker timeframe than a traditional licence. The Low Impact Class License covers ‘the disturbance and/or capture of bats and/or damage or destruction of bats roost/s of low conservation significance (i.e. feeding perches/roosts, day roosts and night roosts), affecting no more than three (3) of the more common species of bat present in small numbers’ (Natural England, 2014). Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information.
Examples of our work with bats are provided within the Projects section. If you require a bat survey, advice or practical conservation services relating to bats please contact BL Ecology on 01274 816800 for advice and a quotation.
Habitat Management and Conservation
BL Habitats is an experienced conservation team who can provide practical services in line with recommendations from our ecology team. Examples include bat exclusions, tree planting and weatherproof, sustainable, long-lasting bat boxes to order.