How do you know if you need a stage 2 (or bat activity) survey?

A stage 1 survey (or preliminary roost assessment) allows us to assess the potential for bats to be roosting in your property.

We are often asked “What will my bat surveys find?”, so we pooled together data from 3 years' of surveys to give you an idea.

This diagram is a breakdown of the results of our rural bat surveys...

What's involved in a bat survey? Bat surveys take place in two stages...

Don't wait until you are asked for a bat survey to reach out to an ecologist!

Many Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) no longer have in-house ecologists, so requests for surveys are often late or overlook seasonal limitations ultimately delaying your planning consent.

Where we find bat roosts depends on the bat species present AND local architecture. By using an ecologist based in Scotland, you get the local knowledge needed to support your construction or development project!

#bat #scotland #scottishecology #scottishconstruction

Why can't you clear out the bats?

It's illegal - you can be fined up to £5k per bat if you harm them, or disturb, destroy or block access to a roost.

Bats are protected by law, but that doesn't mean they will stop your development. It just means you need an ecologist on your team!
#scottishecology

Sometimes we hear from someone struggling to live with a bat roost. Whether it's stray bats, smells, noise, or aggravating a phobia, you are not stuck if you are having trouble with a bat roost.

Bats are protected, but we can help you work towards getting your home back.

#batroost #batsinhouses

Bats being present on a site doesn't mean your development can't go ahead.

Instead it means we need to provide the right mitigation and compensation to look after the bats AND allow you to complete your project.

A team visiting to watch for bats is only part of a bat survey. The first part is a visual inspection to assess the POTENTIAL for roosting bats on your property. This determines the number of stage 2 visits needed from our team. We're over halfway through the 2025 season, so shout if you need us!

When is the bat survey season?

Well, now!

We can complete your stage 1 survey at any time of the year. This is also known as a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) or Daytime Bat Walkover, and allows us to assess your property for the suitability for bats roosting.

A team visiting to watch for bats is only part of a bat survey. The first part is a visual inspection to assess the POTENTIAL for roosting bats on your property. This determines the number of stage 2 visits needed from our team.

We're halfway through the 2025 season, so shout if you need us!

#bats

"How long will bat surveys take?" is one of the key concerns our clients have.

The short answer is "it depends".

It depends on the species present, the work proposed, and when you get in touch (bat surveys are seasonal).

To minimise potential delays, reach out to us as early as possible!

#bats

The way bats roost in buildings varies depending on the local bat populations and local architecture. We are based in Scotland and have the local knowledge to make sure you get the right surveys at the right time.

Read quick tips to help your surveys go smoothly here: batsurvey.scot/blog/10-ways...

Bats require specific conditions for hibernation, and our work on Middleton Upper Quarry in Midlothian has been used as a case study in the UK Bat Mitigation Guidelines to show successful hibernaculum design.

Read more here: batsurvey.scot/blog/preserv...

#batsurvey #batsurveyscotland #mitigation

With bat survey season off to a flying start (pun absolutely intended), it's time for a quick tip tips:

Get in touch with us AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE in your project.

Waiting could mean delays or surprises and you don't need to wait for your Local Planning Authority to request surveys to get started.

You don't need to love bats to work with us.

Bats are protected by law, and we are here to help your project complete within the law.

We will pragmatically manage your ecological surveys from start to finish, so ecological considerations become part of the plan - not a last minute problem.

Tonight is the first survey of the 2025 bat survey season! 🦇

If you think you might need ecological surveys for your project or proposed works, get in touch with us on admin@daviddoddsassociates.com for advice and a no obligation quote.

Or just hang out with us for bat facts and myth busting!