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Phase 1 Surveys
As part of a Phase 1 Survey I will undertake a Habitat Survey and report the mammal and bird species on your site. Up to three bat surveys may be required depending on the site and the nature of your project. It may also include general invertebrate species and make recommendations for further studies as part of a Phase 2 especially if the survey has been carried outside the normal recording season.
The PDF linked below is an example of a River Corridor Surveys, which can be quite detailed even though the project may only include a small section of a watercourse. This is because rivers are sensitive sites. They provide corridors along which many species move. They provide food resources and shelter.
Bonesgate Stream Survey Results
Bat Surveys
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- I am a holder of a bat license
- I act as a roost visitor on behalf of Natural England
- I undertake most surveys using recordable frequency division equipment
- I also use remote recording techniques using Anabats
- I can undertake surveys of trees and bridges using a fiberscope (you supply the cherrypicker)
- Recording analysis is undertaken using Batsound
- Surveys and reporting is undertaken in accordance using Bat Conservation Trust Guidelines
I specialise in the following:
River Corridor Surveys including boat surveys:
River Thames from Hampton Court to Rainham and tributaries
River Ravensbourne
London Canals
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Monitoring effects of entertainment such as music, fireworks etc on bats:
Kenwood Concert Series
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Kensington Gardens Peter Pan Theatre Tent
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Bats and Lighting
A conference hosted by the Bat Conservation Trust on Lighting and Mitigation for Bats (2007) resolved that:
- All bat species are adversely affected by the lighting of roost access
- Most bat species are adversely affected by the lighting of foraging areas
Light pollution (L.P.) either direct or indirect (from sky glow) is increasing in London and may eventuate in outstripping the tolerance of Myotis bat species. Daubenton's bats have been declining on London's waterways and any increase in lighting at riparian locations may have an impact on this species.
Evening emergence of bats and their initial foraging is often under trees overhanging water, or structures which cast large shadows. When managing waterside trees and vegetation these principles should be considered. Removing waterside trees allows artificial light penetration throughout the night. Mitigation for the loss of the riparian vegetation should recognise the multiplicity of uses by a large range of species, (not just bats): for shelter, feeding, and perching as well as the production of insect biomass.
Good Practice: Prevent light spillage onto sensitive areas using cowling (often just half a baked bean tin)
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General Recommendations
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- There is a need to accept lighting is an issue for bats and other wildlife
- River corridor should remain a DARK corridor for bat movement
- Myotis species of bat cannot easily tolerate light levels above 1 lux (moonlight) most routine feeding of this species takes place at less than 0.4 lux
- New areas of artificial lighting should be considered habitat loss and should be compensated accordingly
- If it is decided that lighting columns are necessary near riparian areas they should placed away from the waterside so the light spillage is not onto the water
- Some stretches should remain unlit
- Luminaires should not be placed anywhere near the tree canopy where bats would normally be found foraging (or roosting and nesting birds could be disturbed)
- Better use of light curfews, light sensors, columns sited away from the waterside Light dimming is possible in certain areas and after midnight
- Retained vegetation overhanging water creates a shield against light penetration as well as increasing insect productivity
- Light meter readings should be taken during the winter so that the effect of spillage is not being masked by vegetation
- Light levels around a development should not exceed 'that which went before' as it may have an impact on a bat corridor or flyway at seasonally sensitive time of the year
- Bat behaviour patterns are changing with the changing climate and hibernation times are being reduced, with bats being forced out to feed there is a duty to strengthen wildlife corridors
Bats and Green Roofs
Bats may occupy several roost sites during the year, any age or type of building may be used. Tree holes, ivy and loose bark in parks, woodlands and hedgerows can be favoured as roosts by bats. Hedgerows form part of important corridors for movement to and from feeding areas.
When to survey: Whilst there are no firm rules surveys are always indicated when there are:
- Older buildings or structures
- Buildings or structures over or near water
- A large roofspace or multiple roofs within ‘leafy areas’
- Where bats have been previously recorded
- Where the area is particularly dark and undisturbed
Are Bat Boxes a cop out when used in mitigation?
Many species of bird mammal and invertebrate use holes. Dormice have been found using bat boxes, blue tits often use dormouse boxes. Moths woodlice, spiders and earwigs colonise boxes and are part of the rich web of life we are trying to provide habitat for. Boxes provide safety from predatory squirrels and marauding woodpeckers.
Green Roofs
In Germany over 13 million Green roofs have been installed creating a £153m-a-year industry.
The UK green roof industry is less than £10m. Yet green roofs can make a significant impact in reducing the effect
of storm water run off and supporting biodiversity.
My highlight of last years surveying was watching the Bankside Peregrine quartering over one of London’s green roofs.
[Click to enlarge photo of a brown roof in Tower Hamlets]
Training Sessions
Field training sessions for planning officers, arboricultural officers etc on when to survey, what should be included in the survey and what to expect from reports. What happens when a report doesn't contain all the relevant information. Types of mitigation that can be demanded from development schemes that impact on open spaces from ecological management plans to offsite remedial works.
Bird Surveys
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I have been a birdwatcher as long as I can remember and have participated in many surveys for the British Trust for Ornithology as a volunteer. I have undertaken professional surveys since the mid-nineties including:
- Breeding bird surveys of nature reserves, cemeteries and allotments, R.B. Kingston upon Thames, L.B's of Redbridge; L.B Lewisham; City of London 1997- 2008
- Black redstart surveys throughout the London Region
- Studies of particular bird species such as house sparrow (see an example below)