A Guide to the Architecture of Roof Construction for Ecologists
As licensed ecologists we spend a lot of our time crawling around in loft voids looking for evidence of bats or the bats themselves! However, it is not just the bats that we are looking for. In every bat preliminary … Read More
A Guide to Barn Conversions
Given the strict planning rules limiting the building of new dwellings in the countryside, barn conversions are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to acquire their dream home in the country. Redeveloping a barn can be an incredibly rewarding experience, … Read More
A Developer’s Guide: How to Apply for a Bat Licence?
How to Apply for a Bat Licence? If you require planning permission to make alterations to your home or property, it is possible that the local planning authority may require you to undertake bat surveys on your property before being … Read More
Guide to Brown Long-Eared Bat Mitigation
Brown Long-Eared Bats (Plecotus auritus) During building inspection work, ecologists often come across medium-sized, brownish droppings. On closer inspection, the droppings have a golden shine from the moth and butterfly wings they contain. This discovery is usually the first indication that … Read More
Guide to Bat Mitigation
Why Do I Need Mitigation? If the bat surveys undertaken for your development reveal that you have bats roosting or hibernating in your building, the next step is to do an impact assessment and set out a mitigation plan. The … Read More
Guide to Horseshoe Bat Mitigation
In order to accurately mitigate for the disturbance or potential loss of lesser horseshoe and greater horseshoe night roosts, day roosts or hibernation sites, it is vitally important to first understand their unique roosting ecology. Lesser Horseshoe Ecology Lesser horseshoe … Read More
Guide to Mitigation – Void Dwellers
The term “void-dweller” is used to describe bat species that often utilise small crevices for roosting. Crevices can include natural features such as stone fissures, holes in trees and under loose bark. When found in buildings, crevices can be found … Read More
Guide to Bat Mitigation for Crevice-Dwelling Bats
Introduction The term “crevice-dweller” is used to describe bat species that often utilise small crevices for roosting. Crevices can include natural features such as stone fissures, holes in trees and under loose bark. When found in buildings, crevices can be … Read More
Bat Droppings Guide
The discovery of bat droppings is the most common method to prove the presence of a bat roost. British bats are entirely insectivorous and so their droppings only contain the indigestible parts of their insect prey. This content gives their … Read More
A Dummy’s Guide to Architecture for Ecologists
Don’t know the different between a gambrel and a gablet, a purlin from a rafter, King post from a Queen post, or a truss from a strut? Neither did I! However, an understanding of architectural terms is essential when interpreting … Read More
