Bat Hibernation Roost Assessments

Where built structures or trees are assessed to have suitability for hibernation roosts, targeted hibernation surveys may be necessary. Hibernation surveys comprise a minimum of two visits, spread at least four weeks apart. 

An inspection of the any potential roosting features will be undertaken, which may include the use of ladders, an endoscope and torch as survey aids. 

During each survey, automated static bat detectors will be deployed for a minimum of two weeks to monitor any bat activity. Acoustic analysis of the bat sonograms recorded by the static bat detectors will be completed using acoustic analysis software to determine the species of bats present.

All surveys are undertaken in line with the 2023 Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (4th edition). The Bat Conservation Trust