Project Background

The client sought to demolish a bungalow and rebuild within the same footprint. Following pre-application advice, the local authority requested an ecology survey. 

Survey Background

A preliminary roost assessment was undertaken during the preliminary ecological appraisal in July 2016. The preliminary roost assessment found that the building had potential for crevice dwelling bats under gable hanging tiles and slipped roofing tiles; emergence and re-entry surveys were recommended.

Survey Method

Due to the quick commission from our client, emergence and re-entry surveys were undertaken in August and September 2016. Soprano and common pipistrelles were recorded emerging and re- entering in three separate locations: the western air vent, the eastern gable end air vent and under tiles on the northern elevation of the building.

A Natural England mitigation licence was required to allow the destruction of the roosts. Discussion with the client and architect enabled new bat roosts to be incorporated within the new proposal.

Outcome

Ecology by Design successfully applied for a Natural England licence which was granted in June 2017. Bespoke bat excluders were fitted to the three roost features and left for seven days to allow bats to exit the roost.

After seven days the excluders were removed and the feature was demolished by hand. Bat droppings were found under the hanging tiles in multiple locations suggesting that the bats entered through the broken vent and crawled to their roost location. A 1FD Schwegler bat box was installed within a boundary tree to provide a temporary roost for any bats found during the destructive search.

Three new roosts will be created on the new development which will be located as close to the access features mimicking the existing roost access features. Habibats will be used as they can be discreetly fitted into the development and clad in both render and timber to match the building materials.