At RammSanderson, we provide bat survey services throughout the UK. With our team of our Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage, and Natural Resources Wales licensed bat ecologists, we offer comprehensive surveys tailored to your specific needs.
Our Comprehensive Bat Survey Services
Our bat survey service follows industry standard best practice guidelines (Bat Conservation Trust 2023) and is completed at the appropriate time of year.
Our bat survey service can include:
- Exterior and Interior Building Inspection
- Hibernation Survey
- Emergence/Re-entry Roost surveys incl. Thermal Imaging Surveys
- Ground Level Tree Assessment
- Aerial Tree Inspections
- GPS Transect Activity Surveys
- Static Monitoring (ground level or at height)
- Driven/boat transect survey
- Radio-tagging and radio-tracking
- Capture using a hand net, harp trap, or mist net
- Mitigation Design and Protected Species Licencing
Experienced Bat Survey Experts
Our use of the latest advances in bat survey equipment allows us to identify bat species both in the field and during post-survey data analysis.
We use GPS-enabled bat detectors for transect surveys which allows us to successfully map bats during walked activity surveys on Google Earth Pro, and GIS software. We use a range of thermal imagery and infra-red data captures across our roost surveys having invested heavily to ensure we are at the forefront of the field.
Our Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage, and Natural Resources Wales licensed bat ecologists have extensive experience in completing European Protected Species Mitigation Licence (EPSM) applications for a range of development types and scales involving a range of bat species throughout the UK.
Our ecologists undertake initial daytime assessments as part of our bat survey of buildings and trees. This helps us assess their potential to support roosting bats. We then follow this up with pragmatic yet robust advice to fully investigate the situation.
Our Ecologists are also available to deliver on site toolbox talks, supervision of tree felling, demolition, and/or building works under licence.
Why Choose RammSanderson for Bat Surveys?
Established in 2014, RammSanderson offers a comprehensive bat survey service led by skilled and licenced ecologists all of whom have a wealth of experience in preparing European Protected Species Mitigation Licence (EPSM) applications for various development projects.
We have a proven track record of reliability and efficiency and understand the impact of delays on development projects. Our bat survey service includes exterior and interior building inspections, ground-level tree assessments, emergence/re-entry roost surveys, aerial tree inspections, and more.
We have been early investors in technology to ensure the accuracy and quality of the data we gather, and all nocturnal surveys have utilised thermal imagery and infra-red survey techniques well in advance of the 2023 survey guidance revisions.
Our experienced team will navigate the complexities of bat mitigation and licencing to deliver a reliable service tailored to meet the needs of every project.
Did you know?
There are actually 17 species of bats in the UK in total!
The other bat species found within the UK include:
- Nathusius’ Pipistrelle
- Grey Long-Eared Bat
- Greater Horseshoe Bat
- Lesser Horseshoe Bat
- Alcathoe Bat
- Barbastelle Bat
- Bechstein’s Bat
- Brandt’s Bat
- Leisler’s Bat
- Natterer’s Bat
- Whiskered Bat
- Serotine Bat
All species of British bat are fully protected under the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017) as amended.
The main types of bats found in the UK include:
Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus): The common pipistrelle is the UK's most abundant and widespread bat species. It is small, with a wingspan of around 20cm, and is often found in urban areas, woodlands, and grasslands.
Soprano Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus): Similar in appearance to the common pipistrelle, the soprano pipistrelle is slightly smaller and has a higher-pitched echolocation call. It frequents a variety of habitats, including wetlands and marshes.
Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus): Easily recognisable by its long ears, the brown long-eared bat is a medium-sized species commonly found in woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens. It often roosts in buildings and tree holes.
Daubenton's Bat (Myotis daubentonii): Named after the French naturalist Louis-Jean-Marie Daubenton, this bat is known for its habit of hunting over water, using its large feet to scoop up insects from the surface. It is found near rivers, canals, and lakes.
Common Noctule (Nyctalus noctula): The common noctule is one of the largest bat species in the UK, with a wingspan of up to 45cm. It prefers open habitats such as woodlands, parklands, and farmland, and is known for its distinctive fluttering flight pattern.
RammSanderson has a team of experienced consultants ready to carry out Bat Surveys. Get in touch today!