For details of some of our recent work, please select from the list of project types below.
Preliminary Bat Survey, Bat Emergence Surveys and European Protected Species Licence (EPSL): A small site with three derelict buildings on. A low status Myotis bat roost was identified in one of the buildings through bat surveys, for which a full mitigation package was designed for an EPSL application to demolish the buildings and develop the site as a care home.
Extended Phase I, Preliminary Bat and Bat Emergence Surveys: A joint Extended Phase I survey and Preliminary Bat was carried out for this site with a large Edwardian House that was proposed to be extended. The survey identified a bat roost, with a subsequent dusk and dawn bat survey determining a Common Pipistrelle and a Whiskered/Brandts/Alcathoe bat roost in the roof. A mitigation package was developed and agreed with the Local Authority Ecologist to allow the extension to be built without an EPSL, as the roosts were not being destroyed.
Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Assessment, Preliminary Bat Survey, Emergence Survey and European Protected Species Licence: This was a former farm house and outbuildings with some land containing ponds. The initial surveys identified roosting bats in the main house, with other roosts in the outbuildings, but that development work would not affect Great Crested Newts and they were unlikely to be in the fish-stocked on-site ponds. Emergence surveys of a barn to be converted informed the mitigation required in an EPSL, that created two replacement roosts for Natterer's and Brown Long-eared bats in the roofs of on-site buildings to compensate for the conversion of the large barn.
Preliminary Bat Survey, Emergence Surveys and Working Method Statement: This bungalow, set in its own grounds within woodland, was to be converted into a two storey house. A Preliminary Bat Survey identified a bat roost in the roof. Subsequent emergence surveys determined the roost status as low level and a Working Method Statement, including mitigation, a Tool Box Talk and initial supervision, was agreed with the Local Authority to allow the works to proceed without the requirement of an EPSL.
Extended Phase I, Reptile, Preliminary Bat, Bat Emergence Surveys and a European Protected Species Licence: A disused factory site was subject to a Phase I survey, which identified reptiles and bats as likely to be present. The reptile survey showed a good population of Slow Worms and a low population of Grass Snakes, allowing a mitigation package to be developed to preserve them on the site. The bat surveys located three minor Lesser Horseshoe bat roosts and two minor common Pipistrelle roosts on the site, leading to a full mitigation package with two replacement roosts as part of a European Protected Species Licence.
Extended Phase I, Reptile and Bat Activity Survey: The Extended Phase I Survey Identified Reptiles and Bats as possible constraints to the site. A full Reptile Survey across the summer and autumn proved likely absence of reptiles. The Bat Activity Surveys identified the adjacent lake as an important foraging area for Daubenton's, Natterer's and Pipistrelle bats, as was the southern hedge and tree-line, also used by commuting bats. A full mitigation package was developed and agreed with the Local Planning Authority.
Preliminary Bat Survey, Bat Emergence Survey and New Roost: This site was a flat roof that was being replaced when bats were found. The Preliminary Bat Survey found evidence of a possible maternity roost, but emergence surveys showed it was not now in use. Roosting features were designed to be put back in the flat roof to retain a roost in the roof and allow the work to be completed under a method statement and supervision.
Extended Phase I Survey, Badger Survey, Reptile Survey and Bat Activity Survey: This site is a former factory next to a Site of Nature Conservation Interest that is proposed to be developed for housing. Badgers were identified on the site with a large main sett and annex setts identified and mapped out. An Extended Phase I Survey identified the need for a reptile and bat activity survey of the site to gauge likely use. These confirmed limited use by bats and no reptiles present, while a full mitigation plan was developed for Badgers and agreed with the Local Planning Authority and Natural England to allow the development to proceed and the Badgers to continue using the site.
Extended Phase I Survey and Preliminary Bat Survey: A burnt out bungalow and its associated field was subject to an Extended Phase I and Preliminary Bat Survey that determined that bats were unlikely to roost in the building. Habitat enhancements were put forward to allow part of the site to be used as a camp site, whilst the rest was managed to restore and extend the chalk grassland in the local area.
Extended Phase I Survey and Preliminary Bat Survey: This site in the suburbs of Swindon was a pair of Victorian semi-detached houses in their own gardens. This was to be developed as affordable housing, so an Extended Phase I Survey and Preliminary Bat Survey was required to inform the mitigation required and the planning decision of the Local Authority.
Preliminary Bat and Emergence Survey: An old converted barn in Carterton required re-roofing and the local Planning Authority requested an assessment for bats. A preliminary bat survey found no evidence of bats, but features with good potential for bats in areas inaccessible to visual surveys. Therefore an emergence survey was undertaken, which indicated likely absence of bats, although there were many nesting Swallows.
Walkover Survey, HSI Assessment for GCNs and Desk Study: A 1960s site required an initial walkover survey and desk study to inform a planning decision on this brownfield site on the rural edge of London's commuter belt. Two ponds on-site underwent a Habitat Suitability Index Assessment to gauge their suitability for great crested newts. Issues identified for the site included great crested newts, reptiles, breeding birds and bats.
Preliminary Bat Survey and Emergence Survey: A preliminary bat survey of a converted barn indicated the presence of a maternity Pipistrelle bat roost. The subsequent emergence survey counted 84 Saprano Pipistrelles emerging from a number of points in a shiplap first storey wall. Methodologies for roof repairs were recommended without the need for European Protected Species licensing.
Bat Emergence Survey: Buildings identified on this commercial site had low potential for roosting bats, so an emergence survey was required for this brownfield site due to be redeveloped.
A desk study assessment of reports and web based data was commissioned to support a planning bid for a site in the heart of the historic city of Oxford. Issues identified for the site were: the presence of an adjacent Site of Nature Conservation Interest, the potential use of the site by bats and reptiles and the presence of remnant chalk grassland.
Preliminary Bat Survey: A private landowner required repair work on their roof with a known bat roost within it. The preliminary bat survey identified a large Pipistrelle roost within the attic space and dorma window of the house. Repair work on the roof was carried out under a methodology to avoid contravention of any laws and retain the roost on site.
Preliminary Bat Survey: A church required a Preliminary Bat Survey to identify whether bats were present to allow it to be re-roofed. A Pipistrelle bat roost was identified and a methodology designed to enable the work to be carried out without the need for a European Protected Species licence.
Phase I Survey and Bat Activity Survey: This farm was surveyed for its wildlife potential for a Higher Level Stewardship Scheme. Subsequently a bat activity survey was undertaken to identify the bat species using the site.
If you have any questions or would like more information on the above, please call Principal Ecologist Mark Satinet on 01993 864 958 or email info@4acreecology.co.uk.