Bat Survey

Bats are highly and strictly protected under The Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 as amended.  Bats have been shown to be affected by the installation of wind turbines under certain conditions. For these reasons, bat surveys are often requested by Northern Ireland Environment Agency and are a prerequisite for all wind farms.

Wind NI can help determine if and to what extent a bat survey is required by liaising with Northern Ireland Environment Agency on your behalf.

Wind NI can provide a bat survey carried out according to the Bat Conservation Trust ‘Bat Surveys Good Practice Guidelines’ document.  This will meet the requirements set by Northern Ireland Environment Agency.  The bat surveyor(s) will have the necessary experience and qualifications to carry out the work.  In accordance with guidelines, at least one dusk (emergence) and one dawn (re-entry) survey will be carried out.  Up-to-date technology will be used to identify the species of bats present.

The bat survey report will provide information on bat roost sites and bat activity and behaviour across the site.  Advice will be provided on the most appropriate ways to protect bats from the impact of development throughout the duration of development and on the most appropriate positioning of turbines.

Please note, bat surveys must be carried out at least twice in a year to satisfy the requirements of Northern Ireland Environment Agency – once between May and July and again between August and September.