Advice for Architects and Developers

We can help you support your clients throughout your project together.

When undertaking any building, ground clearance or development work, you should check if bats (or other protected species) are present.

An essential first step for all projects is to get an ecological assessment of the site from a suitably qualified ecological consultant, ideally a licensed specialist in bats.

What will an ecologist do for you and your client?

Depending on the type and location of the site, the habitats on site and in the surrounding area, your bat specialist ecologist may carry out some or all of the following actions:

  • Undertake a bat survey and produce a report of findings, including if bats were found and the details of species and roost types present, and where roosts are present, a mitigation plan or method statement detailing works that may impact bats and how they can be mitigated.

  • Preparing the bat survey report and mitigation plan or method statement as needed to support a planning application. 

  • Apply for a protected species licence to permit the proposed plan to be implemented.

  • Supervise the implementation of the mitigation plan and any other required working methods detailed in the method and licence.

  • Check and sign off the mitigation plan when completed.

  • Liaise with NatureScot’s licensing team and the Local Planning Authority, as necessary monitor the site after works are completed to check the response of the bat population.

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Preserving a bat hibernation site

Middleton Quarry was being infilled with over 600,000 tonnes of spoil from a railway project. To protect bats hibernating in the quarry we balanced engineering and ecology to create a bespoke solution.

Contact our team of ecologists

If you have any questions about bats or other protected species, what to do about organising a survey, or need general information, we welcome your inquiry.

What Our Clients Say

  • Having worked with David Dodds Associates for a number of years, the service received is excellent and always provides expert ecological advice.

    • Lynne McNeely, Carneil Homes Ltd, Kinross

  • “Montgomery Forgan Associates has worked with David for many years on planning projects for mutual clients. David's work is first class, always delivered on time and is keenly priced. David has a wealth of knowledge on all ecological matters, with a highly valued specialism in bat surveys. Montgomery Forgan Associates would have no hesitation in recommending David to its clients.”

    • David Queripel, Montgomery Forgan Associates, Cupar

  • “We have found David Dodds very helpful in providing us with bat surveys and mitigation proposals.”

    • Niall Braidwood, Ogilvy Chalmers, Haddington

  • “Thank you for your help in doing the survey, and the speed of your response. Charlotte seemed very knowledgable. She was very helpful and happy to respond to our questions! Your report gave us all the answers we needed.”

    • Chris Gunstone, Tyninghame Village Hall Committee, East Lothian

  • “We have worked with David and his team in many projects and he is a real expert in the field. From enquiry, to survey, to receiving the report, they are always professional and provide a high quality service.”

    • Arancha Arnal, Blyth and Bluth Consulting Engineers, Edinburgh

  • “Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has used David Dodds Associates and their services for projects that required their extensive and specialist expertise. David has not only assisted in a prompt and professional manner he also provided a welcomed insight into the world of bat protection, articulating how best to approach situations to ensure SRUC deliver projects whilst the species, environment and landscape remain protected.”

    • Leeanne Price, S.R.U.C., Penicuik

  • “David has routinely provided timely, proactive and helpful advice to assist and enable building fabric projects to progress in a compliant manner and remains my first point of contact for any ecological requirements”.

    • Craig Mattocks, Cademuir Building Consultants, Peebles