Journal

Don't Let Bats Delay Your Build: What You Need to Know About Bat Surveys

Read Time: 5 minutes
Author. Clare Booth • Director

Bats could have a say in your build timeline. As a protected species, they often trigger the need for a bat survey before planning permission can be granted. Here, we explain what a bat survey is, when it’s required and why the timing is critical—especially if you want to avoid delays.

If you're planning a new build or conversion, there's something important you might not have considered — bats. They're a protected species in Scotland, and if there's any chance they’re roosting on your site, you'll need a bat survey as part of your planning application. This isn’t just a formality. If the survey isn’t done properly [or at the right time of year] it can delay your project by several months. 

We spoke to Emma O’Shea, Ecological Consultant and Licensed Bat Surveyor at Tay Ecology to find out what a bat survey involves, when it’s needed and why timing is critical.

What Is a Bat Survey?

"A bat survey assesses whether bats are present on a site and how a development might impact them," Emma explains. "Since bats are a protected species, planning authorities require bat surveys to ensure compliance with conservation laws."

This applies to any kind of development, including new builds, conversions and home renovations.

Surveys are typically done in two parts:

  • A preliminary daytime assessment [which can be done all year round].
  • Followed by detailed bat emergence and activity surveys if there’s potential for roosting bats.
  • A bat hibernation survey may be required during the winter to establish whether the site is also used by hibernating bats.

Who Can Carry Out a Bat Survey?

Not just anyone can carry out a bat survey. Emma explains, "Preliminary daytime assessments should be conducted by licensed bat ecologists with expertise in bat ecology and survey techniques."

Emergence and activity surveys should be carried out by trained bat surveyors who are experienced in survey methods and using specialist equipment. 

When Is Bat Survey Season in Scotland?

Here’s where it gets time-sensitive.

Bat emergence and activity surveys [watching bats leave or return to roosts] are strictly seasonal. "The optimal survey season in Scotland is from May to September," says Emma. "All first emergence surveys should be completed between 1st May and 31st August, with all surveys finished by the end of September."

If your site requires more than one bat emergence survey, there must be at least three weeks between each visit. 

What Happens If You Miss the Survey Window?

In short: your project could be delayed for months.

"Unfortunately, if a survey is requested late in the season, it may not be possible to complete all the necessary surveys until the following year. This can delay planning applications and building work, as surveys are required for planning approval."

It can be disappointing to learn there could be a long delay before all required visits can be completed, so planning ahead is critical.

What If Bats Are Found on Site?

If bats are discovered during a survey, work must pause while a licensed ecologist assesses the situation. Emma explains that mitigation measures might include:

  • Installing bat boxes or integrated roost features
  • Creating alternative roosting sites
  • Adjusting building plans to avoid disruption
     

The aim is always to protect the bats while allowing development to continue — responsibly.

Which Bats Are Found in Scotland?

Scotland is home to nine confirmed bat species, including:

  • Common and Soprano Pipistrelle
  • Nathusius’ Pipistrelle
  • Brown Long-Eared Bat
  • Daubenton’s Bat
  • Natterer’s Bat
  • Whiskered Bat
  • Noctule
  • Leisler’s Bat
     

While some species are more common than others, every one of them is legally protected.

Emma’s Final Advice? Plan Ahead.

Emma’s number one message is simple: don’t leave it too late, start conversations early especially if you want to stay on track with your build.

"Plan ahead for bat surveys to avoid delays," she says. "And use licensed ecologists for accurate assessments."

She also encourages developers and homeowners to consider bat-friendly design features and to report any sightings to local conservation groups, which helps ongoing research and protection efforts.

Author.

Clare Booth

Director

A trained communicator, Clare co-founded Coldwells Build with the aim of improving consumer experience within the construction process. Working previously as a television director and journalist, she understands more than most, about the power of detail, organisation and timing.

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