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Bat Licences - Surveys, Science, Research, and Education
Bat surveys
One of the best ways to carry out a bat survey is to look for them either leaving their roosts at dusk or returning to them at dawn. Alternatively you can listen for them with a bat detector. Providing that you do this quietly and carefully then there is no need for a licence (because you wouldn't be committing an offence).
In some cases, a survey might require bats to be caught for identification purposes or to see what sex, age or stage of the reproductive cycle they are in. Sometimes it may be necessary to enter a roost to gain more information about it. In both of these instances, offences would otherwise occur (capturing a bat and disturbing roosting bats), therefore a licence would be required.
Where a licence is required for a bat survey, Scottish Natural Heritage is the appropriate licensing authority. Survey licences are only issued to people who have undertaken appropriate training.
Best practice guidance has been created by the Bat Conservation Trust 
(BCT) which is very helpful for a range of surveyors, from interested amateurs to professionals. The definitive guidance for licensed bat workers is called the Batworkers' Manual , which was published by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and is in its 3rd Edition.
Science and research licences
If you are planning to carry out any experiment or research that might otherwise result in offences being committed in relation to bats or their roosts you will require a licence for science, research or educational purposes. Examples might include ringing, marking or radio-tracking bats. Licences for this purpose are administered by Scottish Natural Heritage.