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Dwelling: Demolition of dwelling and construction of a Huff house in Kent

An ecological Phase 1 survey was undertaken which identified the need for further bat surveys and appropriate mitigation for great crested newts, reptiles and badgers. A mitigation strategy was compiled and works undertaken to prevent any breach of legislation. No bat roosts were identified within the building for demolition and so only precautionary recommendations were necessary. Enhancement and retention of habitats for a wide range of species were undertaken.

Barn: Conversion of a grade II listed barn in Kent

Bat surveys identified roosts of Natterer's, brown long-eared and a mating roost of common pipistrelle. An application to Natural England for a European Protected Species licence was therefore necessary; this was granted and works to convert the barn began. The licence required compensatory roosting features to be constructed; these included the inclusion of a bat loft, bat boxes along the local waterway and the inclusion of additional bat roosting features constructed within the fabric of the converted barn.

Church: Repairs to a church in Kent

Urgent timber repairs, stonework repairs and areas of re-roofing were necessary. During initial survey work no bat roosts were identified within the fabric of the Church, although bats were utilising the internal area for socialising. The areas of the Church which required work would not impact upon the bats using the internal space. Works were therefore permitted to continue as long as bat access within the Church was maintained throughout the repairs. Even whilst the works were being carried out, church parishioners reported seeing bats entering the Church during the early evening and so the bat activity was not affected by the works being undertaken.

Mountfield Ecology can also assist Churches via the national Bats in Churches project and associated licensing scheme.

Trees: Canopy reduction of a large veteran tree within a woodland in Sussex

A bat roost was identified within a large veteran beech tree but due to health and safety concerns the tree required urgent canopy reduction works. An application was made to Natural England in order to legally destroy the bat roost on the grounds of health and safety, this was granted and works took place. The works were timed to avoid the sensitive bat maternity season and an ecologist was present on-site throughout the works. The tree was successfully reduced to a safe height rather than felled in order to retain potential bat roosting features.

Bridge: Repairs to a stone bridge in East Sussex

No bat roosts were identified and so stone repairs were able to take place with restriction on the timing of works and the presence of an ecologist to re-inspect crevices immediately prior to repairs.

Historic Building: Renovation and conversion of a large grade I listed historic house within Kent

A multi-phased several million pound project was undertaken to restore, convert and re-develop areas of a large historic house. Bat roosts were identified within several locations where works were proposed and so an application for a Natural England licence was necessary. The works were timed to avoid the active bat season; bat friendly construction materials were used; a lighting plan was agreed and retained roosts were enhanced as well as creating additional new bat roosting opportunities.

Pre-fabs: Large-scale demolition and re-development in Hampshire

Mountfield Ecology assisted a third party consultancy with the demolition of numerous pre-fab blocks. Several bat roosts were located and so works were carried out under a detailed EPSM licence with restrictions on timing. Owing to the type of building, both winter and summer roosts were supported. Compensatory roosts were constructed within the replacement buildings and structures.

Woodland: Felling of a woodland to allow the expansion of a quarry in Sussex

A small area of woodland was surveyed for bats and other protected species. Works were carried out to mitigate for the presence of badgers, dormice and bats. Bat roosts were identified as present and so works were carried out under a EPSM licence in accordance with timing and methodology restrictions.