01224 608 959
Licensed Bat Ecologists for Planning, Renovation and Tree Work in Aberdeen
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You may need a bat survey if you’re planning building work, tree felling, or roofing repairs in Aberdeen or the surrounding areas. All bat species are protected under UK law, and disturbing their roosts, whether in lofts, barns, or mature trees, can result in serious penalties.
At Arborist Direct Aberdeen, our licensed bat ecologists deliver fast, accurate bat surveys to keep your project on track and fully legal.
Book a fully-compliant bat survey with us using the contact form on the page or give us a call at 01224 608 959.
It is the responsibility of our tree-owning clients to ensure that work on their trees falls within the legal ( HSE), environmental and ecological restrictions in force. Usually, there are very few cases where such restrictions come into play; however, very occasionally, this can be a complex situation where advice is best sought from environmental and wildlife specialists.
Arborist Direct Aberdeen is well-versed in the key regulations regarding trees and wildlife:
In the UK, all birds, nests and eggs are protected by law ( particular species, locations and times of year are important factors): In Scotland the regulations were amended by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.
It is also an offence to fell a tree, or otherwise remove, any active bat roost.
This initial survey checks for signs of bats, such as:
PRAs are fast and non-invasive. We conduct them year-round.
If potential roosts are found, we carry out dawn and dusk surveys between May and September, when bats are active. We assess species presence, behaviour, and roost importance using acoustic detectors and visual tracking.
These help us identify bat species, numbers, and how they’re using the site, which is crucial information for your bat survey report for planning.
Your detailed report will include:
We also help you apply for a bat mitigation licence from NatureScot if needed.
Our tree care specialists are always available to answer your questions and give you as much help as they can.
Call Us On 01224 608959
Bat roosts in mature trees are often overlooked. Before any tree surgery, felling, or crown lifting, we recommend a quick check for roosts. If evidence is found, a licensed survey is required by law.
Common Tree Features That Support Roosts:
We specialise in tree-related bat surveys in Aberdeenshire, combining arborist and ecological knowledge to ensure full legal compliance.
Extra Insight You Won’t Find Elsewhere
We offer post-construction monitoring plans for bat mitigation sites, ensuring your project complies with licence conditions even after work is complete. We offer:
We begin with a visit to your site in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire to assess potential roosting features in trees or buildings. This involves a visual inspection to look for signs of bats.
If signs are found during the PRA, we’ll book dawn and dusk surveys during the bat survey season (May–September) to confirm species presence and activity levels.
You’ll receive a full bat survey report, including mitigation recommendations. If necessary, we’ll assist with your NatureScot licence application to ensure legal compliance before you proceed with the work.
We can return after your project to ensure bats are not negatively affected and that licence conditions are being met.
Transparent, Honest Pricing with No Surprises
Our pricing varies based on the type and scale of your project. Typical bat survey prices include:
We’ll provide a clear quote upfront after an initial conversation—no hidden fees.
Bats in the UK are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc) Regulations 1994 (as amended), and the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.
What This Means For You
Our licensed ecologists are trained in Scottish wildlife law and planning policy. We regularly work with:
We’ll advise on protected species mitigation and help you navigate the licensing process with NatureScot.
Scottish Natural Heritage (now NatureScot) outlines strict survey guidelines developers must follow:
Failure to meet these standards can result in delays or rejected applications. We ensure compliance from start to finish.
Our bat survey reports are written in plain English, with maps, clear findings, and next-step recommendations.
What You’ll Find in Your Report:
Not all ecologists are licensed to carry out bat surveys. When choosing a surveyor, check that they:
We’re fully qualified, insured, and based in Aberdeen, ready to support local homeowners, builders, and developers.
You may have bats if you’ve noticed:
If in doubt, we offer simple assessments to confirm bat presence or absence, helping you move forward with peace of mind.
Need a Preliminary Roost Assessment, full bat activity survey, or simply some guidance? Call us or fill in the contact form, and we’ll provide you with a free quote for a bat survey in Aberdeen within one working day.
Yes. If your project could impact bats or their roosts, a bat survey is a legal requirement under UK and Scottish wildlife laws. Proceeding without one could result in legal penalties.
You may. Local planning authorities in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire often request bat surveys when development may affect habitats like older buildings, roof spaces, or mature trees. It’s best to check early in the planning process.
Possibly. If your roof is older or has known bat activity, a Preliminary Roost Assessment may be needed before repairs or replacement to ensure you don’t disturb a protected roost.
Preliminary Roost Assessments can be done year-round. However, dusk and dawn activity surveys (Emergence and Re-entry) must be done during the bat survey season from May to September, when bats are active.
Preliminary Roost Assessments: generally valid for 12 to 24 months
Activity Surveys: typically valid for 6 to 12 months
Validity may vary depending on site changes or planning authority requirements.
We’ll help you apply for a bat mitigation licence through NatureScot, and suggest ways to protect bats, such as timing work outside sensitive periods or installing bat boxes. Your project can usually still go ahead legally with the right safeguards in place.
It is a criminal offence to harm bats or their roosts. Penalties include fines up to £5,000 per offence and/or six months’ imprisonment. This includes blocking access, destroying roosts, or disturbing bats without a licence.
Possibly. If your development poses a risk to bats or habitats, planners may refuse or delay your application until a survey is provided. Getting one early helps keep your project on schedule.
This is a type of licence issued by NatureScot allowing certain low-risk bat mitigation actions without a full individual licence. It’s typically used for predictable scenarios and simplifies the legal process for minor developments.
You’re not legally obliged to report bat sightings, but sharing them with local records centres or organisations like the Bat Conservation Trust helps with conservation efforts and species monitoring.
Don’t touch it bare-handed. Gently contain it in a ventilated box (wear gloves) and contact the Bat Conservation Trust’s helpline (0345 1300 228) or a local bat carer. Never attempt to move bats or block roosts without advice.
We offer comprehensive coverage throughout Aberdeenshire and the North East of Scotland. Our services are available in all towns and communities across Aberdeenshire, including (but not limited to):
For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver
Call Us On: 01224 608959
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