Rural Bat Surveys in Scotland
Whether you are planning a new build, a barn renovation, or a conversion or extension, bat surveys may be required to assess the potential impacts on any roosting bats.
Rural sites vary significantly in survey requirements, so make sure you get in touch early in your planning to prevent delays or costly setbacks to your proposed works!
While rural areas have more variety in bat species present, the steps needed are the same as when undertaking an urban bat survey.
Why do I need a bat survey?
Reassurance that no bats (which are protected) will be disturbed or harmed during construction or development work.
It’s a legal requirement in many cases, especially if the building or site has features that could support bat roosts.
Your local authority will need confirmation that appropriate mitigation measures are implemented if bats are found to be roosting on site.
How do bat surveys work for rural sites?
For all survey enquiries, we will start with a no-obligation quote for your site. We will ask for information about your proposed works and the nature of your property so your quote will be based on your specific requirements - we always aim to be as cost-effective as possible!
When you accept your quote, we will arrange stage 1 (visual inspection) and stage 2 (bat activity) surveys and based on those results outline our recommendations in a comprehensive report.
Recommendations will include any licences we will obtain on your behalf, and any mitigation measures needed to allow your proposed works to progress.
What will we recommend if bats are present?
Rural properties are more likely to have more diverse roost types and species present, and as a result may need more creative mitigation measures. We will always be focused on your goals and find a solution that meets both you and the bats’ needs.
We’ve created some scenarios to help you understand what might happen at your property. These aren’t the full of options, but will give you an insight into how we will help you complete your proposed development or renovation!
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Natterer’s are often found roosting in masonry, and if the masonry isn’t being altered or disturbed your roofing works can proceed as planned. We would recommend being careful with any site lighting, and ensuring there are no lights shining on or near the roost entrance.
We would also provide you with a method statement to be shared with your contractors informing them of any additional precautions they need to take to ensure the bats are not disturbed or harmed.
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For non-maternity roosts, we often recommend bat tiles that give bats access to their roost as part of roof repairs. These are subtle, cost-effective and easy to install. We would also recommend works take place under our supervision, or in winter when the roosts are not in use.
For a maternity roost, we could help you retain the original structure and entrance so the roost can be used but the bats would not be able to access the rest of the roost space. Where this isn’t possible, we can create an alternative roost space nearby.
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Brown long eared bats roost where they have space for a ‘warm up’ flight, and need roosts with more space than other species. Where space allows, we would recommend reducing the space available for the bats while retaining a dedicated space for their roost, sealed off from the converted living spaces.
If there isn’t enough space to retain their roost in situ, we would explore options for creating a new roosting space in a combined ‘bat house’ and functional space. That could mean a garage with attic space above it, or a bin room with a custom design to mimic the characteristics of the original roost.
The solutions we recommend will always be tailored to your project and your property!
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