ArbBat Consultancy Ltd

05/10/2026

ArbBat Consultancy Ltd working with Seeker Ecology Ltd were lucky to encounter a Barbestelle on a recent survey.

The barbastelle bat (Barbastella barbastellus) is a distinctive UK bat species, recognised by its broad, flattened face and dark, almost black fur.

Barbastelles are strongly associated with woodland, using features such as mature trees, deadwood and cavities for roosting.

Barbastelles are an Annex II species and are protected under UK wildlife legislation, making them an important consideration during ecological surveys and development projects.

01/10/2026

🦇 Mist-net trapping for bats

Mist-net trapping is a specialist survey technique used to safely capture bats for identification and assessment. It can provide information that acoustic surveys alone may not.

Mist-net trapping requires a Level 3 bat licence, and surveys must be carried out by suitably trained and experienced surveyors.

Bat welfare is always the priority, with bats handled carefully and released promptly.

26/09/2026

🦇 A fascinating new chapter in bat evolution

A new paper published in Nature has brought together an incredible amount of genetic and fossil evidence to shed new light on the evolutionary history of bats.

Researchers analysed 103 bat genomes, including 42 new genome assemblies, alongside 44 fossil bats. The findings suggest that bats most likely originated in Europe around 65 million years ago, before spreading across the globe.

The research also provides evidence that laryngeal echolocation evolved very early in bat evolution, potentially alongside the development of powered flight.

What makes this particularly interesting is the scale of the study. By combining modern genomic data with the fossil record, researchers have been able to resolve some long-standing questions about how the different bat families are related and how these remarkable mammals evolved.

It’s a great example of how advances in research continue to change our understanding of bats, and why keeping up with the latest science is so important for those working with them today.

The paper is open access and you can read it here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-11007-3

An updated phylogeny of bats is presented, based on new genome assemblies and many ancient fossils and including all known bat families.

16/09/2026

🦇 Learning from the latest bat research at

We really enjoyed attending the National Bat Conference, hearing about the latest research and developments in bat ecology from scientists and researchers working in the field.

It was a great opportunity to build on our knowledge, learn about new research, and bring that learning back into our own ecological survey work.

Always good to keep learning and developing our practice. 🦇

The National Bat Conference 2026 was a huge success!

Thank you to everyone who came along; delegates both in-person and online, speakers, workshop leaders, exhibitors and our Gold Sponsors BioSonic, Thermal Vision Ecology and Wildlife Acoustics, Inc..

It was a fantastic weekend of sharing project updates, inspiring action, celebrating awards, discussing research, catching up with friends and making new ones.

If you attended the conference, what was your favourite thing about it? And if you haven't, will you be joining us in 2027?

11/09/2026

🦇 A night with the horseshoe bats!

We recently supported Seeker Ecology Ltd with mist-netting at a commercial site, where lesser horseshoe and greater horseshoe bats were recorded.

Both are Annex II species and their presence can be an important consideration when assessing development proposals.

Mist-netting provides additional information to complement acoustic surveys, with the bats safely handled and released by appropriately licensed and experienced surveyors.

04/09/2026

🦇 We’re going to the National Bat Conference!

ArbBat has booked places at this year’s National Bat Conference with the Bat Conservation Trust and we’re looking forward to getting involved.

It’s a great opportunity to hear about the latest bat research, learn from scientists and researchers, and keep up to date with developments in bat ecology and conservation.

We’re always keen to develop our knowledge and bring the latest science into our work in the field. 🌿

31/08/2026

🌳🦇 Up the trees!

This week we’ve completed our second set of surveys climbing PRF trees and using an endoscope to inspect potential roost features for bats.

Getting up close allows us to assess cavities and other features that may provide important bat roosting habitat.

12/08/2026

🌿 Continuing our professional development

ArbBat Consultancy Ltd Jon recently attended The Field Studies Council the course “Woodland Condition Assessment in Summer.”

The course provided an opportunity to further develop our knowledge and skills in assessing woodland condition, supporting our commitment to delivering high quality ecological and arboricultural consultancy.

17/07/2026

🦇 This week we carried out a bat emergence survey on a mature tree as part of a proposed development.

Trees aren't just an important landscape feature, they can also provide roosting habitat for bats. Cavities, cracks, loose bark and other natural features all have the potential to support these protected species.

By carrying out bat emergence surveys before development, we can determine whether bats are using a tree and provide the information needed to support the planning process and ensure protected species are appropriately considered.

15/07/2026

🌳 Another busy week for ArbBat Consultancy Ltd!

This week we've been out completing an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) and a Tree Safety Survey.

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment helps identify how a proposed development may affect existing trees and recommends measures to protect them where possible.

A Tree Safety Survey assesses the condition of trees, identifying defects and helping landowners manage potential risks before they become a problem.

Whether you're planning a development or looking to better understand the condition of your trees, we're here to help.

Get in touch if you'd like to discuss your project!