A bat consultant is a Natural England licensed ecologist who specialises in bat surveys and the management of bat roost impacts on development. All UK bat species and their roosts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Habitats Regulations 2017 - making bats one of the most common reasons that planning applications require specialist ecological input. Works affecting any building where bats may roost cannot legally proceed without a survey, and if bats are found, a European Protected Species mitigation licence from Natural England is required before works begin.
What they do
- Carry out initial bat activity surveys using bat detectors
- Identify and characterise bat roosts in buildings and trees
- Prepare bat survey reports for planning applications
- Apply for European Protected Species (EPS) mitigation licences from Natural England
- Design and specify bat mitigation and replacement roost features
- Supervise construction works affecting bat roosts
- Install bat boxes and integrated bat bricks
- Carry out post-construction bat roost monitoring
When you need one
Bat surveys are required before planning permission can be granted for works to any building that could support bats. The following situations almost always trigger a bat survey requirement.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Initial bat activity survey (per night) | £400 - £800 |
| Roost characterisation survey | £600 - £1,500 |
| Bat survey report | £400 - £900 |
| European Protected Species mitigation licence | £800 - £2,500 |
| Bat box installation | £50 - £150 / box |
| Hourly rate | £65 - £120 / hr |
Multiple survey visits across the season may be required for roost characterisation. Obtain a clear scope and fee estimate before appointing.
Qualifications to look for
A statutory requirement for anyone carrying out surveys to characterise bat roosts or to handle bats. There is no legal way to carry out roost characterisation surveys without a licence. Ask to see the licence number and expiry date before appointing.
The primary professional qualification demonstrating ecological competence. Most bat consultants are MCIEEM members. Check membership at cieem.net.
BCT publishes the Good Practice Guidelines for bat surveys which set the standard for all bat survey work in the UK. Practitioners should be familiar with and follow the current edition.
How to find a reputable bat consultant
Frequently asked questions
Do all old buildings have bats?
Not all - but bats are found in a significant proportion of buildings constructed before 1980, particularly in roofs, soffits and wall cavities. Even if no bats are present the ecology survey will confirm this and provide the evidence needed for planning and Building Regulations. A single survey visit can establish bat absence in many cases, avoiding the need for costly further work.
When can bat surveys be carried out?
Most bat surveys must be carried out between April and October when bats are active. Some species and survey types require multiple visits across the season - for example, roost characterisation surveys typically require three visits at different times of year. Starting early in the season is important to avoid project delays if positive results require further survey work.
What happens if bats are found?
If a roost is found the works cannot proceed without a European Protected Species mitigation licence from Natural England. This involves providing replacement roost features and minimising disturbance during works. It does not usually prevent development but does require planning permission and can add several months to the programme. A licensed bat consultant will manage the licence application on your behalf.