What do I need to know about Preliminary Roost Inspections (PRIs)?
A PRI is undertaken as part of the Initial Ecological Assessment when there are buildings (or mature trees) on site that may be impacted by the proposed development works. It is an initial inspection of the building/tree to assess the suitability for it to contain bats, which are both a European and locally protected species. It is a day-time scoping survey that can be undertaken at any time of year.
Bat surveys can be a complicated subject. Contact us to arrange a no obligation site meeting to discuss your requirements and help you understand the process, or download our PDF below for more information.
Why do I need a Preliminary Roost Assessment?
Bat populations have declined drastically throughout Europe (and the world), and as such they are now a protected species in many countries. In Jersey, bats and their roosts are protected under the Conservation of Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2000. Any development which may impact a protected species needs to have ecological consultancy to ensure correct mitigation.
What does a Prelimenary Roost Inspection involve?
- A Biodiversity Records search to identify exisiting bat roosts in the vicinity
- A full inspection of the outside and inside (roof voids) of the building to look for direct evidence of bats
- DNA sampling of bat droppings, if found
- Tree surveys for bats
- An assessment of the suitability of the building to contain bats
- Recommendations for further surveys that the Department of the Environment/Planning will require prior to determination. Further surveys will always be avoided if at all possible
- Mitigation measures to be followed, if this will avoid the requirement for further surveys to be undertaken
What about costs?
Exact costs will depend on the size of your property, plus the scope and complexity of the proposed works. An inital site meeting will allow us to fully discuss your project and ensure the best value approach.
Costs from £375*
*There may also be a charges from Jersey Biodiversity Records Centre and for DNA analysis of droppings
Further information about bat surveys
Compliance
The States of Jersey Department of the Environment require all bat surveys to follow the Bat Conservation Trust Best Practice Guidelines (Collins 2016) when undertaking surveys for bats. These guidelines can be found here, but we have produced a summarised version you can download below.
Bat Surveys and Planning Applications Summary;
