Another bat survey bites the dust

Hung tile is a known roosting feature of bats in the UK, this building had it in spades -

Handmade clay hung tile added to buildings to protect them from the elements, offers so many crevices and roosting opportunities that it is almost certain bats will be found under them.

In this building small numbers of bat evidence (droppings) was also found, but even without that this one was going to need full roost characterisation surveys to establish species, population and entry/exit points.  

Bat survey process

Every wondered how bat surveys work? Not sure of the process or timing? Check out the info-graphic below to give you an idea on how it all works and the timing of the surveys and any licencing requirements.

Dusk and Dawn Surveys

Cherryfield Ecology has been very busy over the last couple of weeks. We have been down to Cornwall, Devon, Surrey and more locally such as Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

Most of Cherryfields work is bat related and currently these involve emergence and re-entry surveys or Dusk and Dawn surveys. These more detailed surveys are undertaken between May to September when bats are most active and in breeding sites. During winter bats hibernate meaning that surveys can’t be undertaken on summer roosts.

Thus far over the last few weeks we have found soprano pipsitrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus maternity roosts, common pipistrelle P. pipistrellus day roosts and a serotine roost Eptesicus serotinus. 

If you have been asked to provide bat surveys or ecological surveys, feel free to give us a ring and ask for your free quote, we look forward to hearing from you.

Barn Owls

Barn owl survey.

So, today Cherryfield Ecology went to a little barn complex in Bedfordshire. A bat survey had already been done, but the client was worried that he had seen barn owl on site and wanted it checked out.

Although no nests were located barn owl had been using the site (see picture) and I found small numbers of pellets scattered across the barns floor.

Bat licence completed

Bat licence completed

Bat Surveys

Cherryfield Ecology undertakes a licenced roof strip.

Yesterday Cherryfield Ecology undertook a licenced roof strip of a house being demolished ready for its replacement to be built.

When bats are found to be present in a dwelling and it is due for removal, a European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) is applied for. this then allows the works to proceed legally under the wildlife laws. Often part of this process is to remove tiles by hand under supervision, in case a bat is found during the works. If a bat or bats are found they can then be safely removed to installed bat boxes on site as a new home and until the roost is replaced in the new dwelling.

If you need help with bats or other protected species get in touch with us via the contacts page.