Coordinate lighting decisions with the project’s bat evidence before finalising the specification. Bring the ecologist and lighting designer together around the same layout, operating assumptions and constraints. The useful output is a reviewed design response with clear responsibilities, rather than a generic claim that one lamp type or colour makes every scheme suitable.
Bring the ecological and lighting information together
Identify the current ecological report and the features or areas it asks the design team to consider. Give the lighting designer the relevant plan and explain which parts of the proposal remain open. Confirm who can interpret the ecological recommendations.
Include the intended use of external spaces and routes. Different contributors may propose lighting for entrances, paths, parking or security. List their proposals so that the review considers the whole scheme.
Explain the design and its operation
Ask for a lighting layout that identifies fittings, mounting positions, orientation and the technical information the ecologist needs for review. Explain proposed hours, controls and the ordinary operating pattern. Keep manufacturer information connected to the actual fitting specified.
Use the professional guidance on bats and artificial lighting as a reference for the appointed specialists. This checklist does not prescribe universal illumination, colour-temperature or separation limits. Suitability depends on the site, evidence and proposed design.
Keep changes visible after review
Record the drawings and specification reviewed by the ecologist, the response and any actions for the designer. If a fitting, mounting height, control arrangement or layout changes, raise it through the agreed review process before describing the scheme as unchanged.
Make sure procurement and installation teams receive the reviewed issue. Record proposed substitutions and practical conflicts for the responsible designers to resolve. A statement that a scheme is ‘bat friendly’ should not replace the evidence showing what the ecologist reviewed.
Information register
| Design input | Question for coordination |
|---|---|
| Ecological constraints | Which report and plan inform the review? |
| Fittings and layout | What exact specification does the designer propose? |
| Operation | When and how will the site use the lighting? |
| Substitutions | Who reviews changes before installation? |
A practical example
Illustrative example: A supplier proposes a different fitting after ecological review. The project manager sends its specification and the affected locations to the design team. The ecologist can review the change against the actual proposal rather than an assumed equivalent.
Before the next issue
- Current ecological information is available.
- Identify all proposed external lighting.
- Explain the operating assumptions.
- Review responses have drawing references.
- Procurement changes have an escalation route.
For the relevant specialist scope, see bat survey service, bat mitigation licensing.
Professional context: ILP guidance on bats and artificial lighting, Natural England bat advice.
To discuss the project information or review scope, contact ACP with the current proposal and the specific question that needs resolving.