Posts Tagged ‘bats’
Wednesday, January 5th, 2011
An article has been published on the Inpractice website which gives guidance to veterinarians on the care of British bats. Bats are often taken in to care by members of the public or volunteer bat workers.
Some of the common injuries found in bats are when domestic cats attack bats. Cats will wait outside the bat roost entrance and then attack bats as they leave the roost. The injuries associated with this are often torn wings and punctures. The wings of an injured bat will sometimes heal naturally other more serious injuries may result in death or unfortunately euthanasia.
Bats are also often injured by members of the public when they discover bats in their houses and try to catch them. The types of injuries found are on the bat are often broken wings and legs form being handled too roughly. A bat with broken legs cannot roost, feed or clean itself and will die without intervention.
If bats are found in the home or injured the best thing to do is call the bat conservation trust who will arrange for a bat worker to come and collect the bat and take it to get appropriate care.
The bat conservation trust helpline number is 0845 1300 228
Click on the link below for a pdf of the full article
http://inpractice.bmj.com/content/32/6/254.full.pdf
Tags: bat care, bat helpline, bat injuries, bat roost, bats, brown long eared bat, daubentons bats, injured bat, natterers bat, pipistrelle bat, veterinarian
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Friday, August 6th, 2010
Bat surveys may be required prior to gaining planning permission from local planning authorities. Because bats and their habitats are fully protested under both British and European legislation LPA’s have to take them into account as a material consideration of planning
A wide array of projects require bat surveys prior to planning permission being granted. A large proportion of these are projects which affect existing buildings and trees. The reason for this is that bats roost in buildings and trees, and so anything which has the potential to affect these could potentially harm bats and lead to a breach of the legislation.
Bats have been found to use many different areas in buildings to roost. Essentially any gap in the building could be used by roosting bats. Bats such as the common pipistrelle and brown long eared bat are commonly found in cavity walls, roof spaces, underneath roof tiles, behind boarding and behind boxed soffits. Local planning authorities are likely to ask for bat surveys to be completed prior to any work taking place which has the potential to disturb these areas.
Loft conversions, re-roofing, building extensions, demolition and barn conversions are all activities which have the potential to disturb these areas and so LPA’s will ask for bat surveys to be completed prior to planning permission being granted.
Barn conversions will almost always require bat surveys prior to planning permission being granted as old farm barns are ideal habitat for roosting and feeding bats. Barns have many features which make them suitable such as old wooden beams with gaps and cracks around the joints slatted wooden walls, or thick brick walls. The countryside location of barns also makes them an ideal roosting spot for bats.
As mentioned earlier bats also roost in trees and can be found in cracks and deep fissures in the timber or closer to the surface underneath tree bark and in smaller cracks. As with buildings any action which has the potential to disturb or harm bats in trees will require a bat survey. Trees can be surveyed in different ways. Many companies will only survey trees from the ground to look for holes and cracks with roosting potential. This is an acceptable method, however climbing the tree can often allow the surveyor to discount small fissures which may look suitable from the ground but up close could not be used by bats. We are qualified to carry out aerial tree surveys and believe that this approach is more thorough, and can allow us to confirm or discount holes trees more accurately which will save the developer time and money.
Bats are most active during the spring and summer months and so this is the time that most bat surveys are carried out. Checks of buildings can be carried out during times of the year when bats are not active, however if signs of use by bats or features which could be used by bats are found then more survey work may have to be carried out at a time of year when bats are active. This can cause considerable delays to a project.
The best approach is to ensure surveys are completed as early as possible in your project planning. Ideally prior to lodging your planning application, this helps to keep the planners on side and will help to avoid any delays to your project and any negative impact on wildlife!
United Environmental Services are experienced in bat surveys and give ecological planning advice to a range of clients from householders to utilities companies.
Call us or get in touch via the contacts page on our website for advice and information and we will do our best to help
Tags: barn conversion, bat roost, bat survey, bats, bats in buildings, Cheshire, demolition, Essex, Lancashire, loft conversion, Manchester, North Wales, Oxfordshire, planning permission, Staffordshire, tree roost, tree survey
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
The Bat Conservation Trust has issued a response to Bear Grylls and the discovery channel after the ‘role model’ made a program which showed bats being killed in Asia. The program showed military tough guy grylls first throw a flaming torch into the cave to smoke out the bats. When the bats exited the cave TV hard man Grylls first swatted the 50g bats to the ground and then stamped on them.
Grylls then presumably went back to his five star hotel and had something nice to eat.
Conservation groups across the globe are obviously outraged by this and The Discovery Channel are under pressure to take the programs off air.
The BCT statement can be found on the link below.
http://www.bats.org.uk/news.php/82/bct_response_to_bear_grylls_born_survivor
Tags: Asia, Bat Conservation Trust, bats, bear grylls, Caves, discovery channel
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Saturday, May 1st, 2010
United Environmental Services carry out surveys across Merseyside. The surveys which are carried out in Merseyside include great crested newt surveys, bat surveys, Phase 1 habitat surveys, breeding bird surveys, water vole surveys and a full range of environmental surveys. United Environmental Services also offer landscape design and garden design services in Merseyside and can provide the materials and implementation work if required. We have a team of experienced surveyors, landscape architects and ground workers who work to a high standard across Merseyside.
Bat Surveys in Merseyside
Bat surveys can be undertaken in Merseyside at most times of the year. Bats are most active in Merseyside during the spring and summer months. Bat activity surveys can only be carried out in Merseyside at these times of year. At other times of year it is possible to carry out bat scoping surveys of buildings, and bat scoping surveys of trees and other structures which may support roosting bats. If signs of use by bats or features which could support roosting bats are found, then it will be necessary to complete bat activity surveys during the spring or summer. In Merseyside many bat surveys are carried out on barns and farm buildings. This is in order to gain planning permission. Barn conversions are one of the most common causes of loss of bat habitat which is why local planning authorities insist on bat surveys prior to planning permission being granted. There are several species of bat which are resident in Merseyside. These include Noctule bat, common pipistrelle bat, soprano pipistrelle bat, Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat, Daubentons’ bat, Whiskered bat, Brandt’s’ bat. United Environmental Services use several pieces of high tech equipment to find bats during a bat survey. These include bat boxes which can detect the echolocation calls of bats and the Anabat system which detects bat echolocation calls and displays them visually on a PDA screen which makes recording of the bat calls and identification of the bat species much more accurate.
Great Crested Newt Surveys in Merseyside
Great crested newt surveys can be carried out in Merseyside during spring and early summer. Pond surveys for great crested newts are undertaken at a time of year when the great crested newt population returns to the pond to breed. Great crested newt pond surveys have to be carried out to strict guidelines and so the people undertaking them must be properly trained, licensed and experienced to carry out great crested newt pond surveys. Merseyside has many ponds and wet areas which are suitable for great crested newts. Any action which has the potential to disturb great crested newts or their habitats must be preceded by great crested newt surveys of the pond or area, to ensure that no great crested newts are disturbed. United Environmental Services have experienced and appropriately licensed staff that can carry out great crested newt surveys in Merseyside. At times of year when great crested newts are not in the ponds, other survey methods can be employed. The main technique used is the habitat suitability index which is an accepted method of assessing a habitat for its suitability for use by great crested newts.
Phase 1 Habitat surveys in Merseyside
Phase 1 habitat surveys can be carried out in Merseyside at any time of year however the optimum time of year to carry out habitat surveys is during the spring and summer months when a more complete range of Merseyside’s flora and fauna are active. Phase 1 habitat surveys are used to catalogue the different types of habitat which are found in a given area. The results of the phase 1 habitat survey can then be used to assess the impacts of a development on an area and if necessary to specify if any further survey work is required. An example of this would be if a badger sett was found inside or close to the development area then badger surveys would be recommended, similarly if an area of habitat was found which was suitable for use by breeding birds then potentially breeding bird surveys would have to be completed prior to the start of works. Merseyside has a variety of different habitat types which support a range of different species, from woodlands to urban areas. Phase 1 habitat surveys are usually required prior to the start of development work and can save time as any potential issues with protected species or protected habitats will be highlighted early in the development.
United Environmental Services are experienced in a wide range of ecological survey work, contact us for more information.
Tags: bat barn, Bat box, Bat Conservation Trust, bat roost, bat survey, bats, brown long eared bat, daubentons bats, european protected species licence, great crested newt, Merseyside, natterers bat, United Environmental Services, whiskered bats, wildlife legislation
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Saturday, April 10th, 2010
Bat Surveys in Shropshire
Bat surveys can be undertaken in Shropshire at most times of the year. Bats are most active in Shropshire during the spring and summer months. Bat activity surveys can only be carried out in Shropshire at these times of year. At other times of year it is possible to carry out bat scoping surveys of buildings, and bat scoping surveys of trees and other structures which may support roosting bats. If signs of use by bats or features which could support roosting bats are found, then it will be necessary to complete bat activity surveys during the spring or summer. In Shropshire many bat surveys are carried out on barns and farm buildings. This is in order to gain planning permission. Barn conversions are one of the most common causes of loss of bat habitat which is why local planning authorities insist on bat surveys prior to planning permission being granted. There are several species of bat which are resident in Shropshire. These include Noctule bat, common pipistrelle bat, soprano pipistrelle bat, Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat, Daubentons’ bat, Whiskered bat, Brandt’s’ bat. United Environmental Services use several pieces of high tech equipment to find bats during a bat survey. These include bat boxes which can detect the echolocation calls of bats and the Anabat system which detects bat echolocation calls and displays them visually on a PDA screen which makes recording of the bat calls and identification of the bat species much more accurate.
United Environmental Services carry out surveys across Shropshire. The surveys which are carried out in Shropshire include great crested newt surveys, bat surveys, Phase 1 habitat surveys, breeding bird surveys, water vole surveys and a full range of environmental surveys. United Environmental Services also offer landscape design and garden design services in Shropshire and can provide the materials and implementation work if required. We have a team of experienced surveyors, landscape architects and ground workers who work to a high standard across Shropshire.
Contact us for more details
Tags: barn conversion, bat, bat mitigation, bat survey, bat surveyor, bat surveys, Bat surveys Shropshire, bats, loft conversion, planning permission
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Saturday, April 10th, 2010
Bat Surveys in Merseyside
Bat surveys can be undertaken in Merseyside at most times of the year. Bats are most active in Merseyside during the spring and summer months. Bat activity surveys can only be carried out in Merseyside at these times of year. At other times of year it is possible to carry out bat scoping surveys of buildings, and bat scoping surveys of trees and other structures which may support roosting bats. If signs of use by bats or features which could support roosting bats are found, then it will be necessary to complete bat activity surveys during the spring or summer. In Merseyside many bat surveys are carried out on barns and farm buildings. This is in order to gain planning permission. Barn conversions are one of the most common causes of loss of bat habitat which is why local planning authorities insist on bat surveys prior to planning permission being granted. There are several species of bat which are resident in Merseyside. These include Noctule bat, common pipistrelle bat, soprano pipistrelle bat, Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat, Daubentons’ bat, Whiskered bat, Brandt’s’ bat. United Environmental Services use several pieces of high tech equipment to find bats during a bat survey. These include bat boxes which can detect the echolocation calls of bats and the Anabat system which detects bat echolocation calls and displays them visually on a PDA screen which makes recording of the bat calls and identification of the bat species much more accurate.
United Environmental Services carry out surveys across Merseyside. The surveys which are carried out in Merseyside include great crested newt surveys, bat surveys, Phase 1 habitat surveys, breeding bird surveys, water vole surveys and a full range of environmental surveys. United Environmental Services also offer landscape design and garden design services in Merseyside and can provide the materials and implementation work if required. We have a team of experienced surveyors, landscape architects and ground workers who work to a high standard across Merseyside.
Contact us for more details
Tags: barn conversion, bat, bat mitigation, bat survey, bat surveyor, bat surveys, bat surveys Liverpool, Bat surveys Merseyside, bats, loft conversion, planning permission
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Saturday, April 10th, 2010
Bat Surveys in Lancashire
Bat surveys can be undertaken in Lancashire at most times of the year. Bats are most active in Lancashire during the spring and summer months. Bat activity surveys can only be carried out in Lancashire at these times of year. At other times of year it is possible to carry out bat scoping surveys of buildings, and bat scoping surveys of trees and other structures which may support roosting bats. If signs of use by bats or features which could support roosting bats are found, then it will be necessary to complete bat activity surveys during the spring or summer. In Lancashire many bat surveys are carried out on barns and farm buildings. This is in order to gain planning permission. Barn conversions are one of the most common causes of loss of bat habitat which is why local planning authorities insist on bat surveys prior to planning permission being granted. There are several species of bat which are resident in Lancashire. These include Noctule bat, common pipistrelle bat, soprano pipistrelle bat, Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat, Daubentons’ bat, Whiskered bat, Brandt’s’ bat. United Environmental Services use several pieces of high tech equipment to find bats during a bat survey. These include bat boxes which can detect the echolocation calls of bats and the Anabat system which detects bat echolocation calls and displays them visually on a PDA screen which makes recording of the bat calls and identification of the bat species much more accurate.
United Environmental Services carry out surveys across Lancashire. The surveys which are carried out in Lancashire include great crested newt surveys, bat surveys, Phase 1 habitat surveys, breeding bird surveys, water vole surveys and a full range of environmental surveys. United Environmental Services also offer landscape design and garden design services in Lancashire and can provide the materials and implementation work if required. We have a team of experienced surveyors, landscape architects and ground workers who work to a high standard across Lancashire.
Contact us for more details
Tags: barn conversion, bat, bat report, bat surveyor, bat surveys, Bat surveys lancashire, bats, loft conversion, planning permission
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Sunday, March 14th, 2010
Bat surveys can be undertaken in Greater Manchester at most times of the year. Bats are most active in Greater Manchester during the spring and summer months. Bat activity surveys can only be carried out in Greater Manchester at these times of year. At other times of year it is possible to carry out bat scoping surveys of buildings, and bat scoping surveys of trees and other structures which may support roosting bats. If signs of use by bats or features which could support roosting bats are found, then it will be necessary to complete bat activity surveys during the spring or summer. In Greater Manchester many bat surveys are carried out on barns and farm buildings. This is in order to gain planning permission. Barn conversions are one of the most common causes of loss of bat habitat which is why local planning authorities insist on bat surveys prior to planning permission being granted. There are several species of bat which are resident in Greater Manchester. These include Noctule bat, common pipistrelle bat, soprano pipistrelle bat, Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat, Daubentons’ bat, Whiskered bat, Brandt’s’ bat. United Environmental Services use several pieces of high tech equipment to find bats during a bat survey. These include bat boxes which can detect the echolocation calls of bats and the Anabat system which detects bat echolocation calls and displays them visually on a PDA screen which makes recording of the bat calls and identification of the bat species much more accurate.
United Environmental Services carry out surveys across Greater Manchester. The surveys which are carried out in Greater Manchester include great crested newt surveys, bat surveys, Phase 1 habitat surveys, breeding bird surveys, water vole surveys and a full range of environmental surveys. United Environmental Services also offer landscape design and garden design services in Greater Manchester and can provide the materials and implementation work if required. We have a team of experienced surveyors, landscape architects and ground workers who work to a high standard across Greater Manchester.
Contact us for more details
Tags: barn conversion, bat, bat mitigation, bat roost, bat survey, Bat survey Greater Manchester, bat survey Manchester, bat surveyor, bat surveys, Bat surveys Greater Manchester, bats, Bury, Greater Manchester, loft conversion, Manchester, Oldham, planning permission, Rochdale, Salford, Stretford, Trafford
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Sunday, March 14th, 2010
Bat surveys can be undertaken in Cumbria at most times of the year. Bats are most active in Cumbria during the spring and summer months. Bat activity surveys can only be carried out in Cumbria at these times of year. At other times of year it is possible to carry out bat scoping surveys of buildings, and bat scoping surveys of trees and other structures which may support roosting bats. If signs of use by bats or features which could support roosting bats are found, then it will be necessary to complete bat activity surveys during the spring or summer. In Cumbria many bat surveys are carried out on barns and farm buildings. This is in order to gain planning permission. Barn conversions are one of the most common causes of loss of bat habitat which is why local planning authorities insist on bat surveys prior to planning permission being granted. There are several species of bat which are resident in Cumbria. These include Noctule bat, common pipistrelle bat, soprano pipistrelle bat, Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat, Daubentons’ bat, Whiskered bat, Brandt’s’ bat. United Environmental Services use several pieces of high tech equipment to find bats during a bat survey. These include bat boxes which can detect the echolocation calls of bats and the Anabat system which detects bat echolocation calls and displays them visually on a PDA screen which makes recording of the bat calls and identification of the bat species much more accurate.
United Environmental Services carry out surveys across Cumbria. The surveys which are carried out in Cumbria include great crested newt surveys, bat surveys, Phase 1 habitat surveys, breeding bird surveys, water vole surveys and a full range of environmental surveys. United Environmental Services also offer landscape design and garden design services in Cumbria and can provide the materials and implementation work if required. We have a team of experienced surveyors, landscape architects and ground workers who work to a high standard across Cumbria.
Contact us for more details
Tags: barn conversion, bat, bat mitigation, bat survey, bat surveyor, bat surveys, Bat surveys Cumbria, bats, Cumbria, Lake District, loft conversion, National Park, planning permission
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Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Bat Surveys in Derbyshire
Bat surveys can be undertaken in Derbyshire and the Derbyshire Peak District National Park at most times of the year. Bats are most active in Derbyshire during the spring and summer months. Bat activity surveys can only be carried out in Derbyshire at these times of year. At other times of year it is possible to carry out bat scoping surveys of buildings, and bat scoping surveys of trees and other structures which may support roosting bats. If signs of use by bats or features which could support roosting bats are found, then it will be necessary to complete bat activity surveys during the spring or summer. In Derbyshire many bat surveys are carried out on barns and farm buildings. This is in order to gain planning permission. In the Derbyshire Peak District National Park Barn conversions are one of the most common causes of loss of bat habitat which is why local planning authorities insist on bat surveys prior to planning permission being granted. There are several species of bat which are resident in Derbyshire. These include Noctule bat, common pipistrelle bat, soprano pipistrelle bat, Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat, Daubentons’ bat, Whiskered bat, Brandt’s’ bat. United Environmental Services use several pieces of high tech equipment to find bats during a bat survey. These include bat boxes which can detect the echolocation calls of bats and the Anabat system which detects bat echolocation calls and displays them visually on a PDA screen which makes recording of the bat calls and identification of the bat species much more accurate.
United Environmental Services carry out surveys across Derbyshire. The surveys which are carried out in Derbyshire include great crested newt surveys, bat surveys, Phase 1 habitat surveys, breeding bird surveys, water vole surveys and a full range of environmental surveys. United Environmental Services also offer landscape design and garden design services in Derbyshire and can provide the materials and implementation work if required. We have a team of experienced surveyors, landscape architects and ground workers who work to a high standard across Derbyshire.
Contact us for more details
Tags: barn conversion, bat, bat mitigation, bat survey, bat surveyor, bat surveys, Bat surveys Derbyshire, bats, loft conversion, Peak District National Park, planning permission, Protected species, protected species survey, survey, surveys
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