Bats are rarely found roosting near pigeons, but can share the same space as birds over the course of the year. We are aware of at least one bat box used by blue tits in the spring and summer, and then by bats in the autumn after the chicks fledge.

The same is true for wasps. The presence of wasps doesn't rule out bats roosting - it all depends on the specifics of the roost site.

Wildlife crimes are prosecuted reasonably in Scotland according to common law. Who is prosecuted would depend on the exact circumstances, but it could be the person committing or commissioning the offence.

Not knowing is not a valid defence, and classes as recklessly damaging or destroying a protected species or their habitat.

If you take reasonable effort when doing repairs to your property you are unlikely to be penalised.

You can look for bats entering and leaving your property by sitting out in the evening* (around 30 minutes before sunrise to 1:30hr after) and watching for any emergences. If you see none, you have taken reasonable efforts to ensure they are not present. For larger projects or rural sites, you can always message us for free advice.

If you do come across a bat when conducting small repairs, stop immediately and get in touch.

If bats are present, we can help you ensure you comply with the law and retain the roost or create alternative roosting opportunities if needed.

*David recommends doing this step with a gin and tonic.

Stage 1 surveys (or Preliminary Roost Assessments) are daytime site visits to assess potential for roosting bats. Where bats are known to roost, it's not possible to skip this stage as it also collects important information for your licence application.

We always look to carry out your surveys pragmatically, and where bats are known to roost, we may combine your stage 1 survey with the first stage 2 (Bat Activity) survey by arriving an hour early on the first evening.

As even urban sites can have bats, we wouldn't advise making any general assumptions about a buildings potential to have a bat roost.

If you are concerned or on the fence, you can email us with a photo of the property and we will advise on your next steps. If you need to avoid delays, the easiest option is to commission your Stage 1 survey to prevent any surprises down the line.

Once a survey is requested, legally we can't do anything to change that. We will then work to help you and your client navigate the process as smoothly as possible.

Unfortunately, we always need to start with a stage 1 survey.

Stage 1 surveys:

• Allow us to collect habitat data required for any licence applications

• Include biological records checks that support any future licence applications

• Inform the scale of the Stage 2 surveys.

We start the 18-months from the last survey completed.

This isn't written down explicitly by NatureScot, but they are usually pragmatic when dealing with survey reports. We'd not recommend counting on this, so it's important not to commission your surveys too early!

Yes. Fortunately, we can do this in a single Update Survey regardless of the initial survey effort required (for example, if your initial survey needed 3 night time visits, you will only need 1 for your Update Survey).

Potentially yes. In this instance we would recommend getting in touch with us as soon as possible.

NatureScot will treat cases with health and safety concerns as a priority, and we are currently expanding our contacts with pest controllers to ensure these situations are handled within the legislation.

The full question: Any more about why surveys are required before granting planning permission? This seems to stem from the habitats directive which said we can't make a decision without knowing if they are there or not. However, even when we find bats dealing with them is quite straightforward, provided a licence is granted. Is it just a case of covering the legislation rather than having a real reason for the survey in advance?

Yes - We do the surveys in advance as that is was it required by law. From an ecological perspective, it makes little difference provided the surveys are completed but we need to adhere to the current legislation.

Yes. We will work with you to understand the need for your project and explain that in the licence application. For example, a house extension will provide more room for a family and mean they don't have to move house.

The majority of our licences are covered by public interest.

Usually, no! Bat droppings are harmless and degrade into a fine dust.

Sometimes we may suggest adding an access hatch for particularly large roosts, but even they can go several years between being emptied.

Yes, and the majority of bat boxes we place are in trees!

On occasion our clients have asked their neighbours if they can place bat boxes in their trees, and we will look at the surrounding habitat for appropriate sites.