Bat Roost Opportunities
Bristol is one of the greenest and most wildlife-rich cities in the UK, so it’s no surprise that bats thrive here. The varying environments in its mix of urban structures, waterways, parks and woodlands, provide plenty of roosting and foraging opportunities in this south west city.
From roosting under slate roof tiles to foraging along tree-lined rivers, bats are a common but protected feature of the local environment. However, as bats are a protected species in the UK, their presence can significantly impact your planning application, and you may need a bat activity survey to confirm whether or not bats are present to meet planning requirements.
Bats in Bristol: Roosts, Species and Habitats
The most frequently found bat in Bristol is the Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) which often roosts behind roof tiles or soffits. Other bats found here include the Soprano Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), which prefers wetter areas like the Frome Valley, River Avon and waterways around Avonmouth; the Brown Long‑eared Bat (Plecotus auritus) that seeks out larger roof spaces in older properties; Daubenton’s Bat (Myotis daubentonii) which flocks to water bodies such as the city’s canals and the Noctule and Natterer’s Bats, larger, rarer species that use tree roosts in parks and rural areas.
Bat Protection and Bat Groups
Due to a notable reduction in bat numbers over recent years, bats are a highly protected species with favourable conservation status. While the Bat Conservation Trust protects bats UK-wide, local bat groups work alongside local planning authorities in south west England to ensure that planning requirements are met in accordance with European legislation.
The Avon Bat Group is a volunteer-led organisation promoting bat conservation, while Bristol Naturalists’ Society carries out surveys to identify roosting bats and protect important habitats. Local authorities will often consult local bat groups when dealing with a planning application on a development site that might impact bats.
Legal Protection for Bats in the UK
As a European Protected Species, bats are safeguarded under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, making it an offence to obstruct access to bat roosts, disturb bats or their roosts – even unintentionally.
Other legislation relating to bats is included in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
Local authorities are legally required to assess potential impacts on bats before granting planning permission. Carrying out a bat survey Bristol and following its findings is therefore essential before commencing work that could impact bats.
When Is a Bat Survey Needed?
The need for a bat survey will follow either the identification of bats or a bat roost during a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) / Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, or due to sightings on site, or during the planning application process.
Bat surveys are particularly required for projects involving demolition or large or small scale alterations to buildings (especially old or unused buildings, barns, or lofts); works to roofs, soffits, or cladding; tree felling; developments near woodland, rivers, or hedgerows, and conversions or extensions in rural areas.
The Bat Survey Process
Bat surveys must be carried out by licensed ecologists who conduct a phased process for thorough bat assessment and support for planning consent.
Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA)
This is the first step in the process and involves a daytime visit to inspect the site for roosting bats or signs of bat presence, such as bat droppings, urine stains, feeding remains and suitable crevices. An ecological consultant will also evaluate nearby bat foraging and commuting habitats and proximity to trees or water. This quick, non-intrusive check often determines whether further surveys are needed.
If the bat report finds a likely absence of bats, it will recommend that planning permission should be granted on the site. If bats are present or bat presence cannot be ruled out, mitigation measures and further ecological surveys will be required, starting with the Bat Emergence and Re Entry Survey.
Bat Emergence and Re Entry Survey (BERS)
Also known as dawn re-entry surveys, dusk emergence surveys and bat activity surveys, BERS can only be carried out during the bat activity season: the summer months between May and September.
During this bat scoping survey, several ecological consultants will monitor potential entry and exit points for bats on buildings and trees. Consultants will use specialist equipment such as infrared cameras and bat detectors to assess bat populations and identify species based on echolocation calls. If necessary, samples from bats will be collected for dna analysis.
The bat emergence survey report will include details of how the assessment was conducted, an impact assessment and if bats are present, a mitigation strategy to allow development plans to go ahead: this might involve scheduling work to fit in with seasonal restrictions, or fitting bat boxes, soffit tubes or artificial roosts.
If necessary, the bat report will include advice on Bat Mitigation Licence applications from Natural England to ensure full legal compliance. This detailed report can be included in your submission for planning permission and will demonstrate that your project complies with legal and planning requirements. Further protected species surveys may be needed, such as barn owl surveys, badger surveys or reptile surveys.
Why Bat Surveys Matter for Planning
Local planning authorities including Bristol City Council, take bat protection seriously. Submitting a comprehensive bat survey Bristol upfront can prevent legal issues related to bat disturbance, speed up planning approval without objections, avoid costly redesigns or delays if surveys are done too late.
Early submission of ecological surveys to the local council will enhance your environmental credibility with planners, the public and stakeholders.
Working with an Environmental Consultancy
When selecting a consultancy to carry out a bat survey in Bristol, be sure to engage licensed bat ecologists who hold UK and EU bat survey training and licences. An ecological surveyor must have local knowledge of bat species, bat roost sites, and flight corridors and regularly undertake bat surveys for the local council. They should use approved survey equipment and methods including Infrared/thermal cameras, advanced bat detectors, proper data analysis, and provide clear reporting in line with Bristol City Council standards. An ecological consultancy should offer mitigation and licensing support and guidance through Natural England licence applications.
Reach out for a free quote
While bats are a protected and valued part of Bristol’s urban nature, securing a thorough bat survey in Bristol will enable you to move forward with your project while complying with species regulations such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and habitats and species regulations.
Whether you’re a homeowner, developer, architect, or planning consultant, we can provide a complete, phased bat survey service tailored to help you navigate bat surveys in Bristol with confidence.
If your development could affect roosting bats due to re-roofing works, conversion of old buildings or tree felling, please contact us for a cost effective quote. Our team has the qualifications and expertise to provide a quality service to the required standard to satisfy local planning authorities. We can also help with the application process to Natural England if you require a European Protected Species Licence to relocate or destroy a bat roost.
Contact us by filling in our online quote form or speak to one of our team over the phone, providing details of your development site. If you decide to accept our quote, we can arrange a date for a bat survey on your site.