Bats, often misunderstood and feared, are actually essential components of our ecosystem. They play a critical role in pollination and pest control, and their populations are an indicator of a healthy environment. However, their numbers have been declining drastically. As a response, the UK has implemented guidelines for constructing bat-friendly structures in backyards. Here, we will discuss these guidelines, the cost, the required surveys, the planning and building process, and the mitigation measures to ensure the survival of these unique species.
Getting to know Bats: An Introduction
Before embarking on building a bat-friendly structure, it is important to understand the species you are hoping to attract. Bats in the UK are protected by law, which means that planning any development that may disturb bats or their habitats requires careful consideration.
Bats are also very particular about their roosts. They require access to a variety of habitats, including woodland, grassland, wetland, and urban areas, and prefer different habitats at different times of the year. Understanding the roosting habits of bats can help inform the design and location of the bat-friendly structure.
The Importance of Surveys
Carrying out bat surveys is a crucial step in planning your bat-friendly structure. These surveys provide valuable information about the local bat population, including the presence of specific species, the number of individuals, and their roosting habits. This data will inform the design of your structure and help ensure it is suitable for the bats you are hoping to attract.
Surveys should be conducted by a licensed bat worker and include both day and night surveys. A day survey will identify potential roosting sites and foraging routes, while a night survey will observe bats leaving and returning to their roost to determine the species present. It’s important to note that the cost of these surveys can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the number of surveys needed.
Planning and Building: A Detailed Guide
After identifying the bat species present in your area and their roosting habits, you can start planning the design of your bat-friendly structure. The size, shape, materials, and location of the structure will all affect its suitability for bats.
Bats prefer to roost in dark, undisturbed areas. Therefore, a loft in a building or a standalone bat house, with access to a variety of habitats, can provide an ideal roost. The structure should be built using non-toxic materials and should include features that provide access for bats, such as narrow gaps, crevices, or specially designed bat access points. It should also be built to withstand the elements and provide a stable temperature and humidity environment for the bats.
The cost of building a bat-friendly structure can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the design, the materials used, and the size of the project.
Mitigation Measures: Ensuring the Survival of Bats
Mitigation measures are steps taken to reduce or offset the potential negative impacts of a development on bats. In the case of building a bat-friendly structure, these measures could include designing the structure to minimise disturbance to bats, providing alternative roosting sites during construction, and managing the surrounding habitat to maintain a suitable foraging area for bats.
Mitigation measures are typically included in a bat mitigation strategy, which is a requirement for planning applications that could affect bats. The strategy should outline how the development will minimise impacts on bats, how any negative impacts will be offset, and how the success of these measures will be monitored.
Building a bat-friendly structure can be a rewarding project that contributes to the conservation of these fascinating creatures. It is a chance to learn about the unique biology and ecology of bats, and to play a part in their survival. However, it’s important to remember that building such a structure requires careful planning and consideration to ensure it meets the needs of bats and complies with UK law.
The Process of Getting Planning Permission
Obtaining planning permission is a key step in constructing a bat-friendly structure. Given that all bat species are protected species in the UK, it’s crucial to consult with the local planning authority early on in the process. You shouldn’t begin work on the construction without acquiring the appropriate permissions, especially if your project involves a barn conversion, which often involves potential bat roosts.
When submitting your planning application, you’ll need to include the results of your bat survey. The local planning authority will use this information to assess the potential impact of your development on the local bat population. The planning application should detail the design of the bat-friendly structure, such as whether it’s a bat loft or a standalone bat house.
You should also include details of the proposed mitigation measures to ensure the protection of bats during and after the construction process. Remember, it’s not just about providing a home for bats, but also ensuring that the surrounding habitat remains suitable for them to forage and thrive.
Should your planning application be successful, be aware that your permission may come with conditions. For example, you may be required to conduct further activity surveys during the construction process to ensure minimal disturbance to the bat species.
Setting Up Bat Boxes and Access Points
Whether you’re creating a bat loft within a building or constructing a standalone bat house, there are certain features that must be included. Bat boxes are a fundamental part of any bat-friendly structure. They provide safe, cosy roosting spots for bats, which are essential for their survival.
Bat boxes should be built using untreated, rough-sawn timber, as bats are unable to grip onto smooth surfaces. They should also be positioned at least four metres from the ground to protect bats from predators, and ideally should be sited on trees near hedges or woodland water bodies as bats often follow these features when commuting.
In addition to bat boxes, your structure should include access points for bats to enter. These can be narrow gaps or crevices, as bats are capable of squeezing through extremely narrow spaces. Positioning these access points correctly is also crucial. Ideally, they should be located high up on the structure to provide bats with a clear flight path in and out of the roost.
Conclusion: The Reward of Bat Conservation
Building a bat-friendly structure in your backyard requires careful planning and consideration. From conducting surveys to understand your local bat species, getting planning permission, ensuring the roost is built with the right materials and features to suit the bats’ needs, there are numerous elements to consider.
However, the rewards of successful bat conservation are significant. Not only will you be creating a safe space for these fascinating, long-eared creatures, but you will also be contributing to maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem in your local area.
Remember that every step you take, no matter how small, can make a big difference in the preservation of these species. So, whether you’re building a bat loft, installing bat boxes, or simply educating others about the importance of bat conservation, know that your efforts are greatly appreciated by both the bats and those working tirelessly to protect them.
