Why Are Aerial Tree Surveys Required?

Of the seventeen bat species in the UK, thirteen are known to roost in trees. Some bat species rely exclusively on trees for roost sites, whilst others use them for part of the year. All of the UK species forage in woodland and along woodland edges. Any tree can be used as a bat roost and identifying them is not easy, particularly when viewed from the ground.

All identified bat roosts (even those not in use at the time) are protected by UK and European law. Any trees to be affected by a proposed development, should have some tree survey carried out if there is any possibility of bats using them as roosts sites.

If a tree is identified as a bat roost, and the tree is likely to be disturbed, a European Protected Species (EPS) licence may be necessary from the relevant Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation (SNCO) before any work to the tree can begin.

 What are the Benefits of Aerial Tree Surveys?

Just one aerial tree survey can provide accurate presence / likely absence assessments. This may reduce the need of costly dusk and dawn activity surveys (usually at least 3) that are restricted to the bat activity months (i.e. April to October). Aerial tree surveys can be undertaken at any time of year and can substantially reduce waiting times, survey effort, and therefore costs.

Aerial tree surveys are also considered to provide greater rates of success than traditional dusk and dawn activity surveys (In Practice, March 2010).  It is a recognised technique to scope out potential bat roosts as acknowledged by the Bat Conservation trust (BCT).

Aether Ecology has experienced Natural England (NE) and Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) bat licensed workers that are NPTC certified to aerially climb and inspect trees. Initial surveys are undertaken from the ground during a stage 1 approach. Any trees identified as high potential for bats may require an aerial tree survey to provide a detailed assessment of the tree.

Reporting, Mitigation & Compensation

We produce high quality reports with detailed analysis of the tree and there potential for roosting bats. We will provide recommendations with mitigation and compensation options for any licensable activity that may be required in the future for the relevant SNCO. We also undertake any installation of bat and / or bird boxes at any height as part of the compensation effort.

Contact us for a chat and to find out more…