Bat and bird researchers to survey Harderwijk homes for protected species
From April 1 to July 15, researchers will survey Harderwijk to map protected bats, swiftlets, and house sparrows. This helps residents comply with wildlife protection rules during home renovations, avoiding fines and extra permits.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Survey Period | April 1 – July 15, 2026 |
| Location | Harderwijk, Gelderland |
| Target Species | Bats, swiftlets, house sparrows |
| Researcher Identification | Blue safety vests (Ecogroen), flashlights, bat detectors, digital passes |
| Purpose | Create Species Management Plan to simplify construction rules |
| Contact for Concerns | Police non-emergency line: 0900 8844 |
The municipality of Harderwijk, in collaboration with ecological consultancy Ecogroen, is responsible for ensuring compliance with national wildlife protection laws. This survey helps balance urban development with biodiversity conservation, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for residents.
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Survey of protected animals
Do you see someone with a flashlight near a wall or roof soon? They may be a researcher. From April 1 to July 15, they will be investigating where bats, swiftlets, and house sparrows live in Harderwijk. The researchers will mainly be active early in the morning and late in the evening.
Why is this survey necessary?
The survey will show where protected animals live. This helps us determine what measures are needed to protect these animals. This is necessary because construction work on homes, such as insulation or renovations, can disturb, scare off, or even kill these animals. This is prohibited.
The results will be used to create a Species Management Plan. This plan will outline how these animals will be protected. Residents will then be able to carry out construction work on their homes in accordance with the rules of this plan. As a result, separate ecological surveys or individual permits will often no longer be required.
How can you identify the researchers?
The researchers:
- wear blue safety vests from Ecogroen
- shine flashlights on facades and into crevices, use binoculars to look at roofs, and enter data into phones
- always stay on public roads and sidewalks
- carry a bat detector at night to capture bat sounds
- can identify themselves with a digital pass.
Do you not trust the situation? Then call the police at 0900 8844 (non-emergency). The researchers always report their work to the police in advance.
Would you like to know more?
More information about the survey is available at ecogroen.nl/voor-bewoners.