Bats

Brown Long-eared Bat

Bats are protected by EU and UK law and will usually need to be considered in development proposals. Wild Frontier Ecology bat specialists are licensed by Natural England to conduct bat roost surveys which could disturb or require handling of bats.

WFE routinely conducts bat roost surveys for barn conversions, house extensions, demolitions, tree felling and other developments. We have the species knowledge and experience needed to conduct professional bat surveys that will satisfy the planning requirements of local authorities, and be suitable for licensing purposes. Ultrasound, thermal imaging and infrared technology are used to achieve the required professional standards.

If a bat roost is associated with a proposed development, then it is likely that a European Protected Species (EPS) licence will be required to legally carry out the work. WFE is practised in preparing EPS licence applications for bats, and subsequently handling licences through to the completion of the project and beyond. These aim to deliver no net loss of biodiversity. We have experience of working with owners of many different building types, including listed buildings, churches, agricultural conversions and modern housing.

For more information: What to Expect From a Bat Survey: A guide for UK home owners is available from the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Bat Survey Services

• Rapid response to client inquires and requests
• Preliminary site/building appraisal
• Bat roost assessments
• EPS licensing
• Mitigation (including ecological clerk of works)
• Monitoring of roost sites
• Bat impact assessments for larger development schemes (housing projects, road and cable routes)
• Bat habitat enhancement
• Radio tracking services (to locate roosts, foraging and commuting areas)
• Thermal imaging