Bat and Barn Owl assessments & European Protected Species licence
Numerous projects through out the year
Client
Various private and public sector clients
Services
Bat and Barn Owl Assessments (also known as Bat & Barn Owl Surveys) are normally carried out to accompany planning applications for alterations, extension or demolition of existing buildings. They are regularly requested from developers by planning authorities.
Cornwall Environmental Consultants have an established network of surveyors across Cornwall, all with appropriate qualifications. Our proven procedures ensure assessments are carried out to a standard format and in accordance to guidelines produced by the Bat Conservation Trust. Costs for bat and barn owl assessments are based on the size of the property which needs to be surveyed.
The initial assessment consists of a visual inspection of the property to establish whether or not it is suitable for bats and barn owls and whether any signs of those animals can be detected. If the building or structure appears suitable for bats or signs of bats are detected, a more thorough survey will be carried out involving a remote bat detector unit (Anabat) & emergence surveys at a number of occasions throughout the active bat season which is May - September. It is then also likely that a European Protected Species (EPS) licence must be obtained before works can legally commence, which can be administered by Cornwall Environmental Consultants.
A European Protected Species (EPS) Licence is permission from Natural England to destroy a bat roost, but mitigation must be implemented to replace the roost so the bats can still use the site as they did before (breeding, feeding, hibernating etc). CEC assist with all aspects of the EPS licence, including mitigation. Costs for a licence vary considerably, depending on the amount of surveys and administration time involved. A fully detailed quote is provided to the client and all aspects can be explained if required.
Bat & barn owl assessments can be undertaken throughout any period of the year and should be viewed by the client as the first initial stage of the process. Further surveys which might be required after this initial stage can only be undertaken during the active bat season, which is May - September.
If barn owls are found, Cornwall Environmental Consultants will recommend the best method to deal with their presence based on the conditions on site and the form of the proposed development. The findings of the survey are summarised in a report and submitted to the client.
