Tree Climbing Bat Surveys

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At Ecology Consulting Ltd, we deliver high-quality tree climbing bat surveys across the UK, helping clients meet their ecological obligations while progressing their projects efficiently. 

As trusted ecological consultancy specialists, our team of licensed and highly experienced ecologists provide accurate, actionable assessments that support planning applications and biodiversity management strategies.

Tree climbing bat surveys are a key component of our suite of ecological survey services, particularly where trees with Potential Roosting Features (PRFs) may be impacted by development. These surveys allow for a direct and thorough inspection of roosting features that cannot be adequately assessed from ground level.

What is a Tree Climbing Bat Survey?

A tree climbing bat survey is a specialist method used to investigate PRFs on trees to determine their potential to support bats. 

The main objectives are to:

• Reclassify PRFs based on direct inspection
• Confirm the presence or absence of bats
• Assess the need for further survey effort
• Identify any requirement for mitigation or licensing
  

PRFs include features such as woodpecker holes, split limbs, cavities, lifted bark, and dense ivy growth, any structure that may offer shelter or suitable microclimatic conditions for roosting bats.

Unlike ground-based assessments, tree climbing surveys enable our ecologists to inspect these features up close, using rope and harness climbing techniques. This approach provides a more reliable basis for decision-making and significantly reduces the risk of underestimating a tree's value for bats.

Methodology and Survey Process

Tree climbing surveys can be undertaken year round with the key season of May to August for summer roosting and November to March for hibernation checks.

Our process includes the following key steps:

Accessing the Tree Canopy

Using professional rope and harness climbing equipment, our trained ecologists ascend into the tree canopy to access individual PRFs safely. All personnel involved are trained in a

erial tree climbing and aerial rescue in accordance with relevant health and safety standards.

PRF Inspection

Each PRF is inspected thoroughly by eye and with the aid of specialist tools, including torches, mirrors, and endoscopes. These tools allow for internal inspection of cavities and crevices without causing damage or undue disturbance.

Identification of Bat Evidence

We search for both direct and indirect evidence of bat occupancy, such as:

• Roosting bats (visible inside the PRF)
• Bat droppings (typically dry and crumbly)
• Staining or grease marks around the entrance of the PRF
• Feeding remains (e.g., moth wings)
• Scratch marks or signs of repeated entry/exit
  

Evaluation of Roosting Suitability

Beyond presence/absence, we evaluate the PRF’s overall suitability to support roosting bats. 

This includes:

• The size, shape and depth of the feature
• Its orientation and exposure to prevailing weather
• The presence of competitor species such as birds or wasps
• External factors like artificial light pollution or proximity to human activity
  

Each PRF is then categorised as negligible, low, moderate, or high in suitability or PRF-I or PRF-M suitability, in line with current best practice guidance.

Qualifications and Licensing

At Ecology Consulting Ltd we employ a team of skilled and qualified ecologists who hold Natural England and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) bat survey licences. This enables us to legally and ethically inspect PRFs and handle bats where necessary.

Our team is also fully trained in rope access and aerial rescue techniques, ensuring a high standard of safety and professionalism during every survey. We are experienced in operating in a variety of settings, from mature parkland trees and ancient woodlands to individual urban specimens and hedgerow trees.

Who Needs a Tree Climbing Bat Survey?

You may require a tree climbing bat survey if:

• You are planning to fell, prune or manage trees that exhibit PRFs
• You are conducting works near veteran or mature trees as part of a residential, commercial or infrastructure project
• A preliminary ground-level assessment has identified PRFs that cannot be confidently assessed without climbing
• Your project is subject to planning conditions or licensing requirements under UK wildlife legislation
  

Tree climbing surveys are often used to refine or reduce the need for further activity surveys such as dusk emergence or dawn re-entry surveys. In many cases, a negative finding through climbing inspection can eliminate the need for follow-up surveys, saving time and cost.

Our Experience

At Ecology Consulting Ltd, we have undertaken tree climbing bat surveys for a range of developments including national significant infrastructure developments in Cheshire, Staffordshire and Lancashire.

Our specialist team carried out rigorous climbing inspections on a large number of trees across a wide area to assess potential bat roosting features and inform subsequent mitigation measures.

Our pragmatic, evidence-based methodology ensured that the findings were robust and defensible, meeting the high standards expected by planning authorities, regulatory agencies, and statutory consultees.

Compliance and Best Practice

We work in accordance with best practice guidelines set by:

• Bat Conservation Trust (BCT)
• Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• Natural England and Natural Resources Wales (NRW)
• British Standard BS 8596:2015 (Surveying for bats in trees and woodland)

By following these standards, we ensure that all surveys are conducted ethically, legally and with ecological sensitivity.

Contact the Ecological Consultancy Specialists

If you need a reliable and professional ecological survey for bats, get in touch with us at Ecology Consulting today. Our ecological consultancy specialists are here to advise on the right course of action and ensure your project remains compliant with all wildlife legislation.