Expert Bat Surveys in Kent
Crossman Ecology provides professional bat surveys throughout Kent for homeowners, developers, architects, planning consultants and commercial clients. Whether you’re converting a traditional barn, extending a period property, redeveloping a commercial site or bringing forward a larger residential development, we provide practical ecological advice that helps your planning application progress smoothly.
Kent’s diverse landscape of ancient woodland, chalk grassland, orchards, river valleys and historic settlements supports an impressive diversity of bat species. Consequently, bat surveys are frequently required to accompany planning applications across the county. Our experienced ecologists combine technical expertise with local knowledge to deliver reliable, proportionate advice tailored to your site and development proposals.
When is a Bat Survey Required?
Local planning authorities across Kent may require a bat survey where development has the potential to affect bats or their roosts. Surveys are commonly needed for:
- Barn conversions and agricultural redevelopment.
- Extensions and alterations to older buildings.
- Loft conversions and roof replacement works.
- Demolition of residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
- Residential and commercial development sites.
- Tree works affecting mature trees with bat roost potential.
All surveys are undertaken in accordance with the latest Bat Conservation Trust guidance and Natural England best practice, ensuring planning applications are supported by robust ecological evidence.
Local Planning Knowledge Across Kent
Crossman Ecology believes that local knowledge is essential to delivering successful planning outcomes. We take the time to understand the planning policies and ecological requirements of local authorities across Kent, including Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Dartford Borough Council, Dover District Council, Folkestone & Hythe District Council, Gravesham Borough Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Sevenoaks District Council, Swale Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Medway Council. This local understanding enables us to provide practical, site-specific ecological advice that reflects planning policy and the environmental sensitivities of each area.
Protected Sites in Kent
Kent contains a number of internationally important wildlife sites, including the Blean Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC), designated for its outstanding ancient beech woodland, and the North Downs Woodlands SAC, which supports internationally important populations of Bechstein’s Bat. Together with the county’s extensive ancient woodlands, chalk grasslands and numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), these protected landscapes provide vital habitat for bats. Crossman Ecology has extensive experience working on development proposals close to designated sites throughout Kent, providing pragmatic ecological advice while ensuring compliance with planning and wildlife legislation.
Our Bat Survey Services
We provide a complete range of bat ecology services throughout Kent, including:
- Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRA).
- Bat Emergence and Re-entry Surveys.
- Bat Activity Transect Surveys.
- Nocturnal bat surveys.
- Bat mitigation strategies.
- European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) support.
- Ecological Clerk of Works services.
- Bat mitigation design and implementation.
Why Choose Crossman Ecology?
We combine technical ecological expertise with responsive, practical advice. Our reports are designed to satisfy planning authority requirements while remaining proportionate to the scale of development. We work closely with homeowners, developers, architects and planning consultants to identify practical solutions that balance ecological protection with successful development.
Whether your project is located in Maidstone, Canterbury, Ashford, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Dartford, Dover or elsewhere across Kent, Crossman Ecology provides trusted local bat survey advice from the earliest stages of your project through to planning permission.