Mitigation Licences
Expert Guidance for Bat Licence Applications
At Quantock Ecology, we have over 25 years of expertise in successfully delivering bat licence applications to support development projects across England. Our team specialises in a wide range of mitigation licensing solutions, ensuring that your project progresses smoothly, legally, and with expert ecological oversight.
As recognised members of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), our ecologists are highly qualified and hold the necessary bat survey and mitigation licence accreditations. This allows us to provide a bespoke and professional service, ensuring compliance with Natural England’s latest licensing frameworks.
Do I Need a Bat Licence?
As part of the planning process, the Local Planning Authority (LPA) will assess whether bat surveys are required. If surveys confirm the presence of bats and your project is likely to disturb bats or their roosts, you will need a bat mitigation licence before proceeding.
Bats and their roosts are protected under UK and European law, making it an offence to:
- Disturb, damage, or destroy a bat roost (even if bats are not present at the time)
- Obstruct access to a roost
- Capture, injure, or kill a bat
For more information on bats and the law, visit Gov.uk.
Some projects may qualify for non-licensed approaches, such as Reasonable Avoidance Measures (RAMs), depending on the level of impact and presence of bats. Our team will assess whether this is a suitable option for your project.
How Quantock Ecology Can Help
Every project is different, and our experienced team will assess your specific needs, ensuring the appropriate licensing route is followed. Depending on the bat species present, the type of roost, and the scale of impact, we can guide you through the best course of action, whether that involves:
✅ A Low Impact Bat Mitigation Class Licence – for minor impacts on low-conservation-status roosts
✅ A Full Mitigation Licence – for projects requiring significant mitigation strategies
✅ Non-licensed approaches, such as Reasonable Avoidance Measures (RAMs), where appropriate
We work closely with Natural England, your local planning authority, and your development team to ensure that your licence application is comprehensive, robust, and approved as efficiently as possible.
Timescales
Our team is committed to working alongside you to progress your project as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, bat licensing can take time, and it is vital to plan ahead to minimise delays in your work schedule.
While we always aim to provide accurate guidance on timescales, factors such as seasonal survey constraints, Natural England’s processing times, and mitigation requirements can impact overall project timelines. We strongly recommend factoring bat surveys and licensing into your early planning stages to avoid unnecessary delays.
Fees
At Quantock Ecology, we provide a high-quality service at competitive rates, ensuring transparency in our pricing. Our quotations include:
✔ Expert ecologists dedicated to your project
✔ All travel expenses and equipment use
✔ No hidden on-costs
Please speak to our team for a tailored quote for licence applications and associated works.
Important Note:
The costs associated with our bat licensing services are separate from Natural England’s application fees, which will be charged directly during your licence submission.
For expert guidance on bat mitigation licences, contact our team
Many of our clients work with us throughout the entire process, from initial bat surveys to licence approval. However, we are also able to support licence applications based on existing reports from other ecology professionals.