Bat Emergence Surveys

Bat Emergence Surveys

At Western Ecology, our professional and licensed bat ecologists have years of experience in the provision of bat emergence surveys .

How much will a bat emergence survey cost?

As a rough guide, a bat survey would cost around £800 + VAT. This covers the costs of two emergence surveys, using two different surveyors (Inclusive of travel costs) to monitor the building.

Why do I need a bat emergence survey?

Bat emergence surveys are required as a result of the recommendations made during the initial bat and barn owl survey, but may also be needed in instances where:

• A roost has been identified, but more information is needed to assess its importance and the potential significance of any impacts on it. Information may be needed on the umber of bats within the colony, the access points, the species and flight paths to and from the roost;
• A comprehensive internal inspection survey is not possible due to restricted access, but the structure has features with a reasonable likelihood of supporting bats;
• A comprehensive preliminary roost assessment isn’t possible due to the time of year or where there is a risk that evidence of a bat may have been removed by the weather, human activity or the presence of livestock; OR
• A preliminary roost assessment has not ruled out the reasonable likelihood of a roost being present, but no definitive evidence of bat presence has been recorded.

A bat emergence survey requires two or more trained bat specialists to use suitable bat detectors which are typically stationed around the building, in locations that allow all potential access points to be observed. This type of bat survey usually starts around 15 minutes before sunset and depending on the species of bat thought to be present, may continue for up to 2 hours. The bat detector allows our surveyors to hear the ultrasonic calls of the bats, so they can identify which species are present.

Bat emergence surveys are usually carried out between May and September when bats are active and not hibernating.

Bat emergence surveys will be managed by an ecologist that is as a member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management or the Royal Society of Biologists, with at least one licenced bat surveyor present. All of our team are experienced and fully trained in bat identification and how to carry out bat emergence surveys.

To reaffirm our commitment to delivering an excellent service, we follow the BS 42020:2013 Biodiversity – code of practice for planning and development during each of our bat emergence surveys.