Professional Bat Surveys & Mitigation
Expert Guidance for Planning Applications
Mountain Ash Ecology provides professional bat surveys, mitigation, and licensing services to support planning applications, building renovations, and development projects across Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, and the wider Midlands.
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Our specialist services include Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRAs), nocturnal emergence surveys, ground level tree assessments, and bat mitigation strategies.
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We also provide advice and support with Natural England bat mitigation licences, including Bat Earned Recognition licensing routes, where appropriate.
Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRAs)
A Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) is an initial inspection of a building or structure to identify evidence of bats and assess its suitability to support roosting bats. These assessments are commonly required to support planning applications involving building conversions, extensions, renovations, and demolition.
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Mountain Ash Ecology undertakes Preliminary Roost Assessments in accordance with current Bat Conservation Trust guidance. Surveys involve a detailed inspection of accessible internal and external areas to identify potential bat access points, suitable roosting features, and evidence of bat activity, including droppings, feeding remains, and staining.
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Following the survey, a detailed report is provided outlining the findings, an assessment of the building's suitability for roosting bats, and recommendations for any further surveys or mitigation measures. Where appropriate, the assessment can confirm that no further bat surveys are necessary, helping clients progress their projects without unnecessary delays.
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Bat Activity Surveys and Monitoring
Presence/Absence SurveysÂ
Presence/absence surveys are undertaken to establish whether bats are roosting within buildings, trees, or other structures identified as having suitable roosting features. Surveys typically involve monitoring potential roost access points during the evening emergence period, using specialist bat detectors and infrared or thermal imaging equipment to identify emerging bats.
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Nighttime Bat Walkover Surveys
Nighttime bat walkover surveys assess how bats use a site and its surrounding habitats for commuting and foraging. Surveys are undertaken after dark using specialist acoustic equipment to identify bat activity, important flight paths, and habitats that may be sensitive to development or artificial lighting.
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Static Bat Detector Surveys
Static bat detector surveys involve deploying automated acoustic recording equipment at selected locations across a site to monitor bat activity over multiple nights. Recordings are subsequently analysed to identify bat species or species groups and assess patterns of activity.
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Bat Mitigation and Licensing
Where bats or their roosts are identified within buildings, trees, or other structures affected by proposed works, appropriate mitigation measures and, in some circumstances, a Natural England bat mitigation licence may be required before works can proceed.
Mountain Ash Ecology provides specialist advice on bat mitigation and licensing, helping clients navigate the legal requirements associated with development affecting bats and their roosts. Services include preparing bat mitigation strategies, supporting Natural England licence applications, and providing ecological supervision of works to ensure compliance with licensing requirements and relevant legislation.
Depending on the species, roost type, and anticipated impacts, projects may be eligible for streamlined licensing routes under Bat Earned Recognition (BER). Mountain Ash Ecology can advise on the most appropriate licensing approach and coordinate the necessary mitigation measures to support development while safeguarding bat populations.