Following extensive feedback from different user groups the Bat Conservation Trust has produced Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines (3rd edition). The guidelines were revised, updated and reviewed by experts and feature new chapters and content. This is the essential reference guide for professional ecologists working with bats.
BCT has made the full document available to download as a non-printable PDF by clicking on the image above. Hard copies will be available in the next few weeks and can be purchased from NHBS for £29.99 and BCT members receive a 20% discount.
The production and printing of the publication was sponsored by: Applied Ecology Ltd, Arcus Consultancy Services Ltd, Corvus Consulting, Echoes Ecology Ltd, The Ecology Consultancy, Ecosulis, Just Mammals Consultancy LLP, Kestrel Wildlife Consultants Ltd, Mott MacDonald and Tree Surveys.
Overview of main changes
The guidelines have been re-structured to improve accessibility and flow: the chapters follow the process of bat surveys from design through survey types to data analysis and reporting. Each of the survey types chapters has the same structure and these are colour coded. The index will also help users to find what they're looking for.
New sections and chapters include:
Elements that influence survey design
Species Core Sustenance Zones
Preliminary ecological appraisal for bats
Framework for assessing suitability
Bat roost inspection surveys for trees
Acoustic surveys at potential swarming sites
Advanced Licence Bat Survey Techniques
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Protocol for collecting droppings for DNA analysis
The 'Surveying major infrastructure projects' chapter from the 2nd edition has been removed in favour of setting out survey design principles applicable to projects of all scales.
The 'Surveying proposed onshore wind turbine developments' chapter from the 2nd edition has also been removed as wind farm guidance is, at the time of writing, being drafted by a partnership of relevant organisations. This guidance should be published later in 2016; until this guidance is available, the 2nd edition wind farms chapter is still applicable and can be downloaded below.
Professional judgement and surveyor experience
The guidelines are not a prescription for professional bat work. They do not aim to override professional judgement and cannot be used to replace experience. Deviations from the methods described are acceptable providing the ecological rationale is clear and the ecologist is suitably qualified and experienced. In some cases it may be necessary to support such decisions with evidence, particularly if they may lead to legal challenge.
The abilities and experience of bat ecologists who follow good practice are not disputed. Unfortunately, cases of poor practice do occur, both as a result of inexperience and the misinterpretation of these principles by less experienced surveyors and planners.
The exact balance between judgement, guidance and evidence will vary. Our Professional Training Standards were released alongside the 2nd edition of these guidelines and will be updated in the months following publication of the 3rd edition. These outline in more depth the level of knowledge and skills required for different tasks.
We will be reviewing the guidelines periodically to assess the need for updates. Please send any comments to surveyguidelines@bats.org.uk
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