JCA Limited were instructed by one of our clients to carry out a number of ecological surveys on a golf course in which they were developing up on.
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) was first of all undertaken and identified one building with moderate Bat Roost Potential (BRP) which would be disturbed during the proposed works. Further field surveys were undertaken to identify any bat use of the building. The surveys found moderate levels of bat activity on site but no evidence of bats roosting in the building.
Our ecological consultant concluded that whilst the current survey did not confirm any bat roosting within the building, the features in which bats may roost remain present and available to bats using the site. It was advised that works should proceed with caution, particularly in those areas where bat roost potential was identified in the initial bat scoping survey.
In the unlikely event that a bat was found within the building on site at any time of year, either prior to or during the scheme, works should cease immediately, and the advice of an appropriately qualified, experienced and licensed ecologist should be sought. As bats and their roosts are protected under UK legislation, the work would then need to be completed under the authority of a Natural England (NE) mitigation licence. Mitigation and compensation measures to reduce the impact on bats would be required as conditions of the licence.