That was the question facing us at Logika Group while working as part of an HS2 Ltd project team, alongside EKFB, RSK-Biocensus (via Temple Group), and Pell Frischmann.
HS2, committed to minimising its environmental footprint, faced a challenge near the Sheephouse Wood SSSI, a vital habitat for Bechstein's bats, where piling was planned. These bats rely on ultrasound (high-frequency sounds) for navigation, foraging, and communication. Standard noise assessments, focused on human-audible frequencies, left the potential impact of construction ultrasound a critical unknown.
Our team, a blend of acousticians, ecologists, and construction experts, recognised the limitations of traditional methods. We partnered with equipment suppliers to develop a robust monitoring protocol capable of capturing ambient sound at frequencies up to 80kHz, well beyond the human range, and for longer duration periods than commonly seen before. This involved bespoke equipment configurations and novel data collection methodologies.
We meticulously measured the ultrasound profiles of different construction plant using purpose-built apparatus, systematically recording the sounds emitted by excavators, piling rigs and other construction plant at varying distances.
The measurement data was used to create accessible graphs, illustrating ultrasound levels across different frequencies and distances. The resulting ultrasound profiles informed an understanding of the potential impact on bats from associated construction activities.
The project team worked to ensure our findings were widely adopted, publishing the data in the CIEEM Bat Mitigation Guidelines and presenting it at national conferences. The project outcomes enabled more accurate assessments of potential bat disturbance, leading to informed construction decisions. By replacing overly cautious, blanket mitigation measures with targeted, evidence-based strategies, this work has not only led to improved protection for bats but also avoided unnecessary material and delay costs. This proactive approach allowed for more effective environmental management alongside project delivery.
The project was Highly Commended at the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) awards in 2025 https://cieem.net/about-cieem/cieem-awards/2025-cieem-awards/
The reserch has also sparked a PhD project investigating the wider impacts of anthropogenic ultrasound on bat populations, highlighting the long-term implications of our findings.
Read the UK Bat Mitigation Guidelines (August 2023): https://cieem.net/resource/uk-bat-mitigation-guidelines-2023/
At Logika Group, we're committed to listening, innovating, and contributing to a quieter, healthier world.
Contact us to discuss your noise assessment and mitigation needs.
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