duddon ecology

Duddon Ecology

Bat and Ecological Surveys in South and West Cumbria

Undertaking ecological surveys for a range of Protected Species

Based in the Duddon Valley and working across the Lake District in South and West Cumbria, including the Wasdale, Eskdale and Duddon Valleys, Coniston, Egremont, Ravenglass, Millom, Broughton-in-Furness and Ulverston

Providing proportionate and pragmatic solutions which ensure legislative compliance and the protection of wildlife

Specialising in working at height, Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue and IRATA certified Rope Access technician licensed to survey for Protected Species, as well as traditional survey methodologies

Rope Access inspection for Protected Species

Services

Protected Species Surveys – Undertaking surveys and reporting for;

  • Bats – Preliminary Roost Assessments, Bat Emergence Surveys and Rope Access aerial inspections. Click here for more information
  • Barn Owls
  • Natterjack Toads
  • Great Crested Newts – Presence/Absence, Population Size Class and eDNA
  • Nesting Birds
  • Reptiles
  • Otters
  • Water Voles
Three Whiskered / Brandt's bats hibernating in a mine

Preliminary Ecological Appraisals – Phase 1 baseline surveys of habitats to assess the potential for protected species to be present and identify any further survey work required

Tree Climbing and Rope Access Inspections – Duddon Ecology can provide qualified Tree Climbers and IRATA certified Rope Access technicians licenced to survey for Bats in England and Scotland for aerial inspections of trees, buildings, structures, quarries and cliff faces to identify the presence of protected species. We work closely with a local company to offer all aspects of Rope Access work, or can integrate with contractors already engaged on projects

Ecological Clerk of Works – Site supervision by CSCS blue card holder with extensive experience of working on construction sites, Nuclear licenced sites and railway infrastructure

Subcontractor Services – Duddon Ecology can act as a subcontractor to undertake survey or ECoW works for other consultancies as needed

Bat Surveys

Bat surveys are often required for alterations to buildings, barn conversions and other residential development, especially in rural locations such as Cumbria. Surveys are likely to be requested before validation of a planning application, so early engagement of an ecologist is key to preventing delays.

A Soprano Pipistrelle roosting in a building

The first stage of bat surveys is a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) to assess the potential of the building to be used by bats and other protected species. This survey will identify Potential Roosting Features (PRFs) and look for evidence of use by bats, such as droppings and other field signs. Whilst some species are conspicuous in their roosting habits, many species use small crevices and may not leave any external signs of their presence.

Unless the building is assessed as offering no or negligible potential to be used by bats, dusk emergence surveys using Night Vision Aids (NVAs) and Bat Detectors are likely to be required to confirm absence, or characterise the roost type and species if bats are confirmed as present. These surveys can only be undertaken between May and August.

If Duddon Ecology is requested to quote for work, we will endeavour to provide realistic costs for the level of survey effort expected to be required to meet published best-practice guidance and make a robust assessment of the site.

All bat species in the UK are protected by law. It is a criminal offence to kill, injure or disturb bats, or obstruct access to their resting places. Where surveys identify bat roosts that will be affected by developments, a Mitigation Licence will be required to allow works to progress lawfully. The level of mitigation and compensation required to ensure bats are not adversely impacted is dependent on many factors, but we will work with clients, architects and contractors to find proportionate and pragmatic solutions that achieve the best outcomes without undue costs or constraints.

Thermal Imaging photo of a Brown Long-eared bat emerging from a barn

About

Chris has worked as a professional ecologist for 14 years with experience in advising projects ranging from domestic alterations to multi-million pound nuclear developments.

He is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecologists and Environmental Managers (CIEEM) and is experienced in undertaking a range of protected species and habitat surveys.

A caver looking for bats

Chris holds protected species survey licenses for:

  • Bats (England and Scotland)
  • Barn Owls (England)
  • Natterjack Toads (England)
  • Great Crested Newts (England)

Chris is qualified in Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue and is an IRATA certified Rope Access technician. He holds the following certifications:

  • IRATA Rope Access Technician Level 1
  • City & Guilds Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
  • CSCS Blue Card Holder
  • First Aid at Work + Forestry

Contact

Bat and Ecological surveys throughout the Lake District in South and West Cumbria, including the Wasdale, Eskdale and Duddon Valleys, Coniston, Egremont, Ravenglass, Millom, Broughton-in-Furness and Ulverston.

Operating across the UK for Tree Climbing and Rope Access inspections.

A male Adder

duddon.ecology@gmail.com

07525 761897

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