Acer Ecology recently carried out bat surveys on a barn that was proposed for renovation and conversion.
A low number of droppings were recorded during the initial scoping survey of the building. Further dusk emergence/ dawn re-entry surveys were recommended in order to determine the species of the bat using the barn, the number of individuals and the ecological significance of the roost. The surveys indicated that the site was being used by low numbers of common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle and brown long-eared bats. Identifying the presence of bats at an early stage in the planning process can avoid timely and costly delays further down the line.
The objective of a bat survey is to:
- Establish the presence / likely absence of the bat roosts within trees and buildings;
- Identify the activity of bats across the site and key commuting and foraging routes; and
- Recommend ecological mitigation and enhancement where required.
A bat survey may be required by your local planning authority because all bats and their roosts are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulation 2017. Our ecologists are experienced in bat surveys, European Protected Species licensing, and mitigation design and implementation.
We regularly undertake bat surveys within the Forest of Dean and the western part of Gloucestershire, including Lydbrook, Cinderford, Coleford, Lydney, Ruspidge and Drybrook. We have also undertaken bat surveys close to the River Wye in the west, and close to the Herefordshire boundary to the north, as well as in the eastern part of the Forest of Dean close to the city of Gloucester.
For more information about bat surveys or any of our other ecological services, please contact Acer Ecology on 02920 650 331, or email enquiries@acerecology.co.uk.
