Based in Norfolk, this training course focused on everything you need to know about how to use a Level 1 licence and identify all UK bats. Practical sessions included Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRAs) in churches, during which a nice Brown Long-Eared bat (BLE) was seen, and assessing Potential Roost Features (PRFs) in trees (1 and 6 of each).

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When to survey bats (buildings): The best time to survey buildings is from May to August. If doing 2 or 3 surveys, one can be done in September.

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When to survey bats (trees): Trees can be surveyed throughout the year. However, the best times are in winter, between December and March.

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Protected Bats and Protective Legislation: Habitats Directive Annex, Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, Wild Mammals Protection Act, NERC Act 2006.

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If bats are found in a PRA or during a survey, you move from presence/absence to identifying the type of roost. There are 7 roost types.

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1. Maternity roosts

2. Transitional roosts

3. Hibernation roosts

4. Feeding roosts (likely BLE)

5. Satellite roosts

6. Day roosts

7. Night Roosts

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Which bats are found where: In trees, you're likely to find Noctules and Bechstein’s, but also Barbastelles and Soprano Pipistrelles (SP).

 

In buildings, Brandt's, Whiskered, Natterer’s Pipistrelle (NP), Common Pipistrelle (CP), and Soprano Pipistrelle (SP) are common crevice dwellers. Roof voids are usually home to Serotines, Leisler’s, Daubenton's, and Barbastelles. Bats that need flight space include Natterer's, Brown Long-Eared (BLE), and Grey Long-Eared (GLE) bats. Bats that need both flight space and flight access are the Horseshoes.

 

When assessing bat roosts, the following documents should be used: BCT Good Practice Guidelines for Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists (BCT, 2023) and Bat Mitigation Guidelines (CIEEM, 2023).

 

Assessing building suitability: There are four levels of suitability:

1. None – Indicates that no features are likely to be used by bats at any time of year.

2. Negligible – Similar to 'None', but there is some uncertainty.

3. Low – Where there is one or more roost potential sites but unsuitable for a large number of bats or maternity roosts. Surrounding habitat must also be considered.

4. Moderate – Unlikely to support maternity roosts.

5. High – Could support roosts of high conservation status (BCT Good Practice Guidelines, 2023).

 

Assessing tree suitability: Looking for Potential Roost Features (PRF) is how trees are assessed for their suitability. These are done through Ground Level Tree Assessments. PRFs are either PRF-I (suitable for an individual bat) or PRF-M (suitable for multiple bats or a maternity roost). If a tree has any PRF-Ms, the whole tree is listed as PRF-M. If the tree cannot be assessed for whatever reason, it is listed as FAR (Further Assessment Required).

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