Bat and Breeding Bird Surveys, Little Snoring, Norfolk

The Ecology Consultancy carried out bat and breeding bird surveys at Little Snoring for Norfolk County Council.

The aim of the bat surveys was to ascertain whether roosting bats were present within a mature oak scheduled for felling and the surveys were carried out in accordance with the Bat Conservation Trust guidelines.

No bat roosts were found; however, due to the tree’s potential, it was advised that the tree should be soft-felled in a precautionary manner. This involved careful felling of the tree in sections under a watching brief at an appropriate time of year.

There were also plans to remove a section of hedgerow towards the end of the bird breeding season (which typically runs from March to August inclusive). The Ecology Consultancy provided an on-site ecologist who monitored work under a watching brief to ensure that no breeding birds were disturbed.