Bats & The Law

All 18 species of bats are protected by the law in the UK. Killing, injuring, capturing, or disturbing a bat is illegal, as is damaging, destroying, or obstructing roosts. Seventeen species are known to breed in the UK.

Bats utilise a variety of places for roosting, breeding and hibernating so developers need to be aware of the possible presence of bats on their land and the implications for development.

Bats’ Habitats

Bats can roost in trees, buildings, or other types of structures. The roost can vary in size from a small crack in a tree or a single lifted roof tile to caves/railway tunnels and large attics.

An initial assessment as part of a phase 1 bat survey can include the following:

• A daytime search of a building (internal and external) can be carried out at any time of year to look for roost features or possible roost features.
• A daytime ground-based search of a tree can be carried out at any time of year, although winter is better due to less vegetation, looking for roost features or possible roost features.
• A daytime aerial tree climbing survey can be carried out at any time of year, although winter is better due to less vegetation, to look for roost features or possible roost features.
• If potential roost features are identified, then night-time activity emergence or re-entry survey will be required. These are carried out around dawn or dusk, and timing vary depending on the time of the year.
• Transect surveys if foraging or commuting activity is suspected on the site.
• Bat mitigation, including licences.

When is the bat survey season?

The main bat emergence survey season is mid-May to August, although a single additional survey can also be conducted in early May or September. You need a bat licence to handle bats.

Types of Bat Surveys We Provide

Phlorum can provide advice and carry out various types of bat surveys across southern England, including:

• Preliminary bat survey
• Preliminary roost assessment reports
• Dusk emergence surveys
• Bat emergency and re-entry surveys
• Static bat monitoring and bat transect surveys

The team can also compile European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licence applications for developments likely to impact upon bat roosts or a Bat Mitigation Class Licence (formerly known as a Bat Low Impact Licence), which are possible on some sites.

We also have a wealth of experience in assisting developers with bat surveys for planning permission to overcome issues related to planning applications. Contact us now for your free bat survey consultation.