Overview of Bats in North East England
In the North East, there are four counties consisting of Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, and a section of North Yorkshire. Possessing the smallest population of any region in England, notable towns and cities include Darlington, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland. Although often overlooked, the region accounts for certain northerly parts of Yorkshire, such as Cleveland, Great Ayton, Guisborough, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Stokesley and Yarm.
Not only do the various towns and cities across the region offer opportunities for private housing and other developments, but also a multitude of potential roosting locations for numerous bat species. Due to the area holding such high suitability for roosting bats, the necessary ecology survey work is needed as part of the planning process such as various bat surveys, and without it, a planning application is unlikely to be considered by the corresponding local planning authority.
North East Bats
Looking more specifically at the types of bats in the region, there have been sightings of several different bat species throughout Durham, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear. In an effort to emphasise the current species of bats present in the region, we have listed them below:
Durham
- Brandt’s bat
- Brown long-eared bat
- Daubenton’s bat
- Natterer’s bat
- Noctule bat
- Pipistrelle bat
- Whiskered bat
North Yorkshire
- Alcathoe bat
- Brandt’s bat
- Brown long-eared bat
- Daubenton’s bat
- Natterer’s bat
- Noctule bat
- Pipistrelle bat
Northumberland
- Brown long-eared bat
- Daubenton’s bat
- Noctule bat
- Pipistrelle bat
Tyne and Wear
- Brandt’s bat
- Daubenton’s bat
- Nathusius’ bat
- Noctule bat
- Pipistrelle bat
- Whiskered bat
Under the rules of both UK and European legislation, all bats are recognised as a protected species. Due to this, it is against the law to interfere with them in any way. Unfortunately, it is highly likely that a land development project on a plot of land or property that houses bats would disturb them, breaching protected species laws. You can, however, avoid any potential problems by calling in a qualified ecologist to carry out a bat survey.
Bat Surveys and Reports
Before an ecologist arranges any protected species surveys, they will carry out a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) – an internal and external inspection of a plot of land that identifies all present species of animals and plants. When the results of a PEA indicate the presence of bats, the ecologist will be required to conduct a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) as a way of determining the species and location of bats on the site. Likewise, if any other species are found, the relevant ecological surveys will be undertaken. At this point, the developer can explain their project to the ecologist in detail during the first step of the bat risk assessment process, allowing them to understand whether or not bats will be impacted by it.
Following PRA survey work, in many cases, the next step would be to stage a Bat Emergence and Re-Entry Survey (BERS) as a way of learning the specific species of bat present on the site. Conducted outside of hibernation between the months of May and September, a BERS involves a team of ecologists monitoring the area at dusk or dawn with bat detectors over several visits to the site. Bat activity surveys uncover various pieces of key data, such as population numbers, species, entry and exit points, and confirmation of the locations of bat roosts on the site.
The ecologist will then produce a thorough report on their findings from the bat surveys. All information will be included in the bat survey report, as well as effective recommendations that will aim to increase the likelihood of gaining planning permission. From the outcome of bat surveys on the site, the ecological consultant can also determine the potential need for further surveys including additional protected species surveys such as bird surveys and reptile surveys.
Book the Required Bat Surveys Today
If you are planning any development projects and want assurances that any potentially inhabiting bats will not be harmed, it would be advisable to book a bat survey with an experienced ecologist. A professional in ecology surveys and the relationship with development can then categorically confirm or deny the presence or likely absence of roosting bats on the site, and from there, initiate the required bat surveys and other ecological surveys if necessary.
With expert ecologists across the country, our qualified team of surveyors is prepared to carry out bat surveys in all areas of the North East, with surveys including any form of Sunderland bat survey, Newcastle upon Tyne ecology survey, Redcar PRA or Middlesbrough BERS. We can also assist with mitigation licence applications if one is needed to relocate bats safely as part of the ecologist’s recommended measures. For a free quote, simply fill out the form above, call us directly on the number located at the top of this page, or visit our contact page, and we can begin to help you by providing bat surveys to bolster your planning application.