Bat Surveys
About Bat Surveys
Bat surveys allow an accurate assessment of the ecological importance of the bat population within the site. They form the basis of the ecological decision making and associated mitigation, including detailed design and layout considerations for your project.
Site Visits
Our ecologists carefully plan appropriate surveys that target the questions that need answering. The surveys can involve multiple survey visits across an entire year.
Maps and Results
A number of detailed maps are produced. The results are either provided in a letter style report or slotted into an Ecological Impact Assessment.
Types of Bat Survey
There are many types of bat surveys. The overall aim is to determine if/how any bats use the Site to breed, hibernate, commute and/or forage. Each survey is designed to gather information effectively and quickly in order to minimise costs and delays.
The Preliminary Surveys
The Preliminary Roost Assessment and Extended Phase I Habitat Survey will determine the likelihood of bats roosting, commuting, and foraging within the Site.
Dusk/Dawn Surveys
Dusk/Dawn Surveys of buildings/trees may be required. This is an industry standard survey which determines the presence or likely absence of bat roosts within the Site. The surveys take place either at dusk or dawn and include monitoring of the building by surveyors using bat detectors and infra-red cameras. The bat survey season is from May – September, with September being sub-optimal.
Hibernation Surveys
Hibernation Surveys of buildings/trees may be required. This is an industry standard survey that determines the presence or likely absence of bat hibernation roosts within the Site. These surveys are typically of outhouses, cellars and structures which maintain a stable cool temperature during the winter. The surveys are undertaken in daytime and include external and internal inspections. In some instances, the survey may be extended to include longer term monitoring using bat detectors installed within the structure. The bat hibernation season is from November – February, inclusive.
If you’d like further information about bat hibernation surveys at Luscinia Ecology, please download the infographic below and don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your project directly.
Bat Activity Surveys
Bat activity surveys determine the importance of the habitats within the Site for bats to move around within the landscape. The surveys are split into two types: static bat detector surveys; and transect surveys.
Static Bat Detector Surveys
The static bat detector surveys include the deployment of bat detectors along key features to determine the presence of bats. The transect surveys include walked routes around the Site at night to record bat activity . Data analysis is then undertaken to determine the species composition, abundance. and distribution across the Site. Bat activity surveys typically require 3 – 6 visits between April – October, inclusive. Please contact us if you would like to discuss our Bat Survey services.
Request a Quote
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with your project requirements and we’ll get back to you soon.