Arboricultural Consultancy
Home / Tree Surveys / Ecological Climbing Surveys

Visual Tree Assessments

(VTA) Risk Assessment- For insurance, disputes & safety concerns. Prices from €100.

BS5837 Tree Surveys

Assessment of trees on a proposed development site-

For planning permission.

Ecological Climbing Surveys

Tree climbing surveys- PRF bat roost reports start from €300.

Arb Impact Assessments

(AIA) Impact of proposed development on trees on-site- Report for planning permission.

Arb Method Statements

Step-by-step instructions relating to tree work. Required once planning is approved.

Tree Clearance Plans

ITM mapped CAD diagram of positions of tagged trees to be removed.

Tree Constraints Plans

ITM mapped CAD diagram showing RPA's & retention categories of retained trees.

Tree Protection Plans

Visual reference document for construction workers. Required once planning is approved.

How can we Help?

Heritage Tree Care Ltd. frequently receives requests to conduct climbing surveys for ecological purposes. Prices from €300.

One of the most common types of ecology climbing survey we carry out is the Tree Climbing Bat Roost Survey.

These "Tree Potential Roost Feature (PRF) Inspection Surveys" are necessary before any demolition or construction works take place on sites where trees with potential roost features are present.

What are Bat Roost Surveys?

Bats are a protected species, and therefore any tree that could potentially be their home needs to be safeguarded.

Bat roost surveys are conducted to determine the presence of bats in trees, buildings, or other structures, and to identify potential roosting sites. These surveys are typically carried out by ecologists and arborists using a range of techniques, such as visual inspections, trapping, and acoustic monitoring.

Bat roost surveys are usually required before any development or construction work takes place on a site, to ensure that any potential roosting sites are identified and protected. The surveys may also be conducted as part of ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts for bat populations.

Useful further information

Bat Tree Habitat Key (2018). Bat Roosts in Trees – A Guide to Identification and Assessment for Tree-Care and Ecology Professionals. Pelagic Publishing, Exeter.

What roles do arborists play?

Arborists play a crucial role in conducting Tree Climbing Bat Roost Surveys. These surveys are conducted to determine whether bats are present in trees and the suitability of the trees to house a bat roost. During the survey, arborists use rope access techniques to climb the trees and inspect the potential roost features (PRFs) with an endoscope, in accordance with the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) Survey Guidelines.

Arborists are responsible for assessing the safety of the tree climbing operation and ensuring that it is carried out in compliance with industry safety standards. They also assist the ecologists in identifying and recording any potential roost features and in collecting any relevant samples, such as bat droppings or urine.

Arborists may also assist with the installation of bat boxes or other artificial roosting features in trees as a way to compensate for the loss of natural roosting sites due to tree removal or other activities.