Bats

All species of British bat are fully protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended.

Some species of bat are frequently encountered throughout the UK, while others are quite rare. Bats roost within a variety of structures occupied or managed by humans such as buildings, bridges, quarries, mines and trees. As such, bats can be encountered during different stages of a project and because of their legal protection, it is important to take account of bats in the design, management and mitigation proposals for projects.

ecosulis ltd employs Natural England and Countryside Council for Wales licensed bat handlers and the services we offer with respect to bats, include:

• Bat surveys, including examination of structures (e.g. trees and buildings) for signs of roosting, emergence/swarming surveys, to identify species and population/roost status), and activity surveys, to identify flyways and foraging areas
• Habitat assessment, to determine suitability of sites for bats (often as part of Phase I habitat survey)
• Natural England, Welsh Assembly and Scottish Natural Heritage licence preparation and management
• Bat mitigation (under licence where necessary), including roost exclusion, roost creation, erection of bat boxes, capture and release and pre- and soft demolition surveys
• Habitat enhancement and creation (woodland, grassland and riparian management)
• Long-term roost monitoring and habitat management

We are also able to provide other specialised survey services such as:

• Arboricultural assessment of trees to determine suitability for bats
• Aerial climbing surveys for bats in trees
• Use of cherry picker and scissor lifts to survey for bats in bridges
• Use of caving equipment to survey for bats in caves, mines and quarries
• Radiotracking and netting (for more detailed bat surveys)
• Use of static bat monitoring equipment