Do I need a bat survey for my project?

Answer a few quick questions about your building, barn or trees and get a straightforward read on whether a bat survey is likely to be needed — then send it straight to Vesper.

Start the check Or call 07881 027732

Ecological surveys for planning and practical habitat conservation across Hampshire. Done right, first time.

19+

years’ experience

100%

planning success rate

Hampshire

based & covering the county

The check

Seven quick questions

This is a guide, not a formal assessment — but it’ll give you a clear steer before you speak to us.

Q1 / 7

QUESTION 1

What’s the project?

Pick the option that’s closest to what you’re planning.

Re-roofing, roof repairs or a loft conversion Barn, agricultural building or outbuilding conversion Extension or new openings in an existing wall or roof Full or partial demolition Felling or significant pruning of trees New build, no existing structures or trees affected Change of use only, no building or tree works

QUESTION 2

How old is the building involved?

Older buildings tend to have more of the gaps and voids bats favour.

Pre-1960s / traditional construction Built between 1960s and 1990s Post-1990s, modern sealed construction Not applicable — no building involved

QUESTION 3

Does the building have any of these features?

Gaps under tiles, soffits or fascias · hanging tiles or weatherboarding · an open roof void with exposed timbers.

Yes, one or more of these features Not sure No — sealed roof, no gaps or accessible void Not applicable

QUESTION 4

Have you seen or heard any signs of bats?

Droppings near roof access points, scratching or squeaking at dusk, bats seen emerging, or dark staining around small gaps.

Yes, one or more of these signs Not sure / never checked No signs at all

QUESTION 5

If trees or hedgerows are involved, do they show any of these?

Cavities, splits or cracks, loose or peeling bark, woodpecker holes, or dense ivy cover.

Yes Not sure No Not applicable — no trees involved

QUESTION 6

Is the site near woodland, mature hedgerows or water?

Bats commute and forage along these “green corridors”, which raises the likelihood of activity nearby.

Yes Not sure No — open, modern site

QUESTION 7

Is the building listed, in a Conservation Area, or is a tree covered by a TPO?

This doesn’t change bat risk directly, but it often adds extra process to your application.

Yes No / not sure

Result

Worth knowing: bats and their roosts are protected by law in England (Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017). It’s an offence to disturb a roost, even unintentionally — so this indicative check is never a substitute for a site visit by a qualified ecologist.

Your answers

Next step

Get this checked by Vesper

Send your answers straight through and we’ll come back to you with next steps — usually within one working day.

Name Please enter your name.

Email Please enter a valid email.

Phone (optional)

Site postcode (optional)

Anything else to add? (optional)

Thanks — we’ve got your enquiry

Your answers have been sent straight to Vesper Conservation & Ecology. We’ll come back to you within one working day — if it’s urgent, feel free to call.

Call 07881 027732