Monmouth Tree Services

We are now able to carry out bat surveys on trees to make sure bats and other wildlife are not being affected by tree work or development.

All bats and their roosts (including when not currently in use) are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the EU 1992 Habitats Directive (1994 Habitats Regulations in England Scotland and Wales). This makes it a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb, obstruct or destroy bats or bat roosts.

When planning any work on trees with potential for bat roosts, i.e. holes or cracks in the trunk & branches or thick ivy cover, it is essential that a survey should be carried out by a licensed bat surveyor to determine the level of bat roost potential or bat activity. If bats are detected within the tree then work should not commence without first consulting the statutory nature conservation organization (The Countryside Council for Wales or Natural England depending on which side of the border you live.)After consultation they may issue a licence to carry out the tree work if it is deemed necessary for safety or development reasons. However there may be several conditions attached to the license such as carrying out the work at certain time of year or installing bat boxes / bat houses as compensation. A tree surgeon that is qualified & experienced in working on trees with bats is usually necessary and a licensed bat worker may be required to be present during the tree work to give advice.

There are 18 different species of bat in the UK including some bats which are rare or in decline within Europe. Each female bat will give birth to one baby per year but one single male bat will mate with many females within the colony, therefore if a male bat is killed or injured whilst work is carried out on trees then many female bats may not give birth which in turn means a decline in bat numbers. This is particularly the case with Bechstein’s bat which lives mostly in trees and is rare in the UK. The males are solitary during summer and females are found in nursery groups of 10-30 so the death or injury of one male caused by tree work could mean up to 30 females will not mate causing a decline in numbers of an already rare bat.

Bats also use hedgerows, woodlands and tree lines for foraging and navigation between roost sites, (some bats may have a few roost sites and change every 3-5 days) so removal of hedgerows and tree lines can be detrimental to bats particularly young bats which often become disorientated. Hedgerows are also protected by law. (The Hedgerows Regulations 1997)

Essential tree work with minimal effect on bat roosts can be achieved with careful planning and timing of the operation including mitigation and compensation such as retention of potential habitat trees or sensitive pruning of roost trees. Woodland management can also be achieved with little or no effect on habitat if there is retention of the trees most likely to be roosts or potential habitats and an appropriate area left as habitat around the selected trees.

Creation of potential roost sites in woodlands is another consideration. Creating hollows within dead tree stems or allowing branches to “split” instead of the usual practice of leaving “tidy” stubs on trees is all beneficial for bats. It will improve bat habitats and in most cases is beneficial for other wildlife such as Owls, Dormice and Invertebrates. Dead trees in woodlands, both standing and on the ground attract insects and are essential for wildlife, especially bats.

Due to the diverse ecology of the Wye valley in Monmouthshire we are very lucky to have such a large variety of bats including Lesser & Greater Horseshoe bats, Bechstein’s(only very recently) , Natterers, Brown Long Eared and Daubentons Bats. The most common are the Common Pippestrelle and Soprano Pippestrelle which like to roost in buildings and trees.