Bat Survey:

Bat surveys are required prior to remedial works on existing buildings, or where tree felling or pruning is needed. Surveys are also required where foraging or commuting routes are disrupted by development.

All British bats and their roosts are afforded protection under the 1981 Wildlife & Countryside Act (as amended) and are listed under Annex IV of the EC Habitats Directive as in need of protection. Several bat species are included on the list of species and habitats of principle importance in England under Section 74 of the CROW Act 2000.

Badger Survey:

Badger surveys are required where badger setts are directly affected by development. Surveys may also be required where development affects its foraging area/territory only, as in certain road, rail or airport schemes.

Badgers are protected under Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which prohibits deliberate interference with the animal or its sett.

Water Vole Survey

Water vole surveys are required where ponds and watercourses that may contain the species could be impacted upon. Impacts may include commercial development, flood defence or drainage etc.

Water vole burrows/nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The species is included on the list of species and habitats of principle importance in England under Section 74 of the CROW Act 2000.

Deer Survey

Deer surveys are only generally applied where there is a danger of them being in collision with vehicles such as new road/rail schemes, or airports.

Otter Survey

Surveys for otters are required where watercourses are affected by development, whether it be commercial, flood defence or drainage issues.

Otter is listed on Annex II and IV of the EC Habitats Directive and Appendix II of the Bern Convention. It is also protected under Schedule 2 of the Conservation Regulations 1994, and Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.