Project: Barn Conversion in Nottinghamshire

Client: Private Client

April 2007 - March 2009

Background

EMEC Ecology were contacted to carry out a bat survey at a barn, where the first floor was proposed for conversion into residential accommodation.

Ecological Surveys Undertaken

EMEC Ecology carried out a daytime bat survey in April 2007, followed by an evening activity survey and a second evening activity survey later in the bat activity season. During these surveys, a small population of brown long-eared bats was found. Additionally, a nesting bird survey was carried out and several bird nests were recorded within the barn.

Mitigation

A Natural England European Protected Species (EPS) licence was applied for by EMEC Ecology and specific mitigation was designed in order to prevent harm/disturbance to bats and to ensure provision for bats during the working phase and following the completion of the works.

The mitigation / recommendations included:

• Construction of a purpose-built bat loft in a building adjacent to the barn; due to the vaulted ceiling design of the conversion, it was not possible to incorporate a large enough bat loft within the barn. However, a small utilities loft space in the barn was made accessible to bats.
• Bat access provided along the ridge of the barn.
• Supervision of the barn roof stripping by a licensed bat worker.
• The lighting scheme was designed in order to minimise disturbance to bats.

As part of the EPS licence, two monitoring visits were carried out in order to determine that the appropriate mitigation has been implemented and to determine the success of this mitigation.

Specific timing of the works, outside the bird nesting season, was advised in order to prevent harm to nesting birds and it was recommended that bird boxes were provided around the site in order to compensate for the loss of potential nesting sites.

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