Sherwood Ecological are experts at undertaking bat surveys and providing consultancy services in respect of these legally protected animals. For planning and / or Natural England licensing purposes we regularly undertake preliminary bat roost assessments and inspections of buildings and trees, including at height. We lead bat activity or advanced bat surveys and radio-tracking for larger projects, and we utilise the latest technologies to maximise the effectiveness of our survey work.  

Sherwood Ecological are highly experienced in designing bespoke mitigation, compensation, habitat enhancement, and monitoring strategies for bats, including to acquire mitigation licences, and in respect of historic and culturally important buildings and trees and woodland.  

We can provide an in-house expert bat ecologist to be the Named Ecologist, Registered Consultant, or Project Licensee for all types of Natural England licenses allowing impacts on bats that would otherwise be illegal. We have also worked extensively on the Isle of Man and have ecologists with Natural Resources Wales survey licenses. 

Our lead bat ecologist Matt Cook also leads or is actively involved in several bat research and conservation projects, including abroad, and has provided bat training for several ecological consultancies, CIEEM, and Natural England.  

As well as bats, Sherwood Ecological can provide experienced, appropriately licensed ecologists to undertake detailed protected species surveys and provide robust follow-on advice in respect of other protected species, from badgers and birds, through great crested newts and reptiles, to dormice, water voles, and otters. 

Sherwood Ecological can undertake extended Phase 1 habitat and UKHab surveys, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, and hedgerow and tree surveys. We can also undertake Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) for larger projects.  

Sherwood Ecological can provide appropriately experienced ecologists to sites with sensitive ecological receptors, whether it’s for a watching brief or a longer-term Ecological Clerk of Works.  

We are experts in processing large volumes of bat activity data accurately, quickly, and cost-effectively - full spectrum or zero-crossing. We can use automated classification software or undertake this manually to suit your dataset. 

Sherwood Ecological works with experienced arborists to offer several tree-related services such as BS 5837 (2012) surveys and reports - please get in touch for more info...