Section 1 - Presented by Ian Davison-Watts
This event is focused on discussing the recently updated bat survey guidelines, with a particular emphasis on how these guidelines are being applied in real-world mitigation and licensing scenarios. The talk will explore examples such as the “roost resource approach” to mitigation licensing, drawing primarily on examples from Ian’s experience, including a range of development types such as housing, rail, roads, power stations, and even projects related to ash dieback. With over 15 licensed mitigation cases in the last five years, Ian will share insights from both small-scale and major infrastructure projects, highlighting the first uses of the Trees and Woodland Annex under Natural England’s ER scheme.
The session will also examine how bat survey data (e.g., as outlined in Chapter 9 of the updated guidelines) is collected, assessed, and used to inform mitigation and licensing strategies. This will include a discussion of the pros and cons of different approaches, supported by real case studies that illustrate what has worked well and what challenges have arisen. While the primary examples are from England, there will be opportunities to discuss how these approaches may be relevant or adaptable to Wales, making the session valuable for practitioners working across all of the UK. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on implementing the updated guidelines, strategic planning for bat conservation, and lessons learned from recent projects.
Section 2 - Presented by Richard Crompton
This section will look at the implications of the 4th Edition Guidelines now we have had a full season to work with them. A quick run-through of “the good, the bad and the ugly” will be followed by a more detailed look at some areas where a little guidance on interpretation can lead to significant improvement in the quality of results as well as overall efficiency.
Links to other guidance (eg the revised 2024 Bat Mitigation Guidelines and various Natural England Wildlife Licensing Newsletters) will be discussed where relevant – such as the conflict for assessing and working on sites where hibernating bats may be present. Richard will draw on his experience of mitigating and licensing approx. 80 sites over the past 9 years under both BER and EPSL, in England and Wales.
About the Speakers
Ian Davidson-Watts-Ian is a highly experienced ecologist, providing professional ecological advice since 1996. He specialises in protected species and habitat management, with extensive experience in consultancy. Ian is recognised as a leading bat specialist, holding multiple licences since 1995, and has managed complex surveys and research on most UK bat species for major infrastructure and housing projects. Ian’s PhD investigated the ecology of pipistrelle bats and he has led research into the ecology of tree roosting bat species. Ian’s expertise in ecological assessment, legal frameworks, and species licensing has also seen him act as an expert witness at public inquiries.
Richard Crompton-Richard Crompton is a well-respected bat ecologist with over 26 years of professional experience. These days, he focuses on helping other ecologists tackle tricky bat issues and develop their skills through training and advice. He also runs the TeamBat membership platform and is co-organiser of the Ecology Expo taking place in March 2026.
Recently accredited at Level 3 under Natural England’s Bat Earned Recognition (BER) scheme, Richard has registered 15 sites so far, covering 14 species. He’s a Chartered Environmentalist, a Fellow of the Linnean Society, and joined the Bat Conservation Trust’s Batty Hall of Fame in 2022.
