Why do we need a bat survey?

You may have been asked to provide one by Scottish Natural Heritage and/or your local Planning Department. The reasons they may have asked you to carry one out are:

There is a known bat roost present in trees or buildings

Bats have been seen in the area of your project

The site you are planning to develop may have wildlife value

The building you are planning to develop or demolish may be ideal for roosting bats

How long will the survey take?

This depends on the size of the site or building you are developing and the time of year the survey is carried out

When is the best time of year to survey?

From April to October with June and July being the optimum time.

What happens if bats are found during the survey?

The Client and Scottish Natural Heritage are notified. Mitigation will then be discussed including the best way forward for the bats and the development. You will have to apply to the Scottish Executive for a Licence to disturb the bats.

Can Bats stop a development? This is unlikely, although you may be delayed. You will also be asked to incorporate the bats into the project.

Are all bats protected?

Yes. Even when bats are not present, but evidence of a roost is found, then the roost is protected.