Bat Activity Survey

Project: Former Miskin Primary School, Miskin

Instructed by: Trivallis

Reported by: Ecological Services Ltd 10 Mount Pleasant, Llanelly Hill, Abergavenny, Monmouth NP7 0NT

Reported by

T: 07305143857 E: ash@ecologicalservices.wales W: www.ecologicalservices.wales

Author Date Version

Ash Harris 1st July 2020 V1.0

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Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Report Constraints

3. Legal Constraints

4. General Information

5. External Scoping Survey

6. Internal Scoping Survey

7. Activity Surveys

8. Concluding Remarks and Recommendations

Appendix

Site Photo’s Aerial View of Site in Wider Landscape

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Warning! The building is now a confirmed bat roost.

No works can be undertaken that may impact or disturb the roost without the legal owner being in possession of a European Protected Species License. Please refer to section 4 and section 9 of the report for further details.

If there is any doubt of what is permissible please contact the author on: Tel:07866461726 or Email

prior to any works commencing.

Disturbance or destruction of a bat roost is a criminal offence that may result in any granted planning permission being revoked, the legal owner receiving a fine and or a prison sentence.

Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

1. Introduction

The applicant is seeking planning permission to convert the current building into 13

affordable dwellings. The current building is centred at ST 0494181124 and is currently un-

used but has previously been used as a school but most recently as offices and storage.

A data search was undertaken with SEWBReC to provide data on local bat and bird species

in the area. The closest bat record to site is approximately 220m away and is for a soprano

pipistrelle bat but it's unclear if it's a roost or foraging / commuting record. The next closest

record is for foraging / commuting pipistrelle species of bat approximately 230m away. A

soprano pipistrelle maternity roost is thought to be present approximately 550m away from

the proposed development site. There are limited records for bats within 1km of the site being

mostly unidentified bat species calls. Commuting and foraging noctule and serotine bat

records are present 1.2km away from site.

There are a number of common bird records also provided within 1km of the development

site. Species records include house Martin, house sparrow, barn owl herring gull, great tit,

blue tit and spotted fly catcher. There are no species records for the building itself.

1.1 Site Description

The former primary school is a detached single story building and considered to be set within

a semi rural location. The building is situated to the north east of the settlement of Miskin and

is immediately surrounded by houses to the north south and west, however open fields, tree

lines and hedgerows are present to the east of the building. Hendy Quarry sits approximately

200m to the south east of the building.

External Description

The building is a detached building stone built structure with brick surrounding the doors and

windows. Whilst the building is only single storey the height of the roof line creates a tall

building. The building has a pitched artificial slate tile roof with ridge tiles. The roof layout is

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Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

complex perhaps indicating extensions to the original building. Two extensions are present on

the rear (south east) elevation. A single dormer window is visible on the central roof line

between the two extensions. The northern most section has a hipped roof and a brick and

stone built chimney. A small single storey flat roof extension is present to the north of this

section and is currently used as the entrance to the building. A single dormer window is

present on the north elevation and two dormer windows are present on the south.

The front (north west) of the building is ‘U’ shaped with a small Louvre window or vent

present on the ridge line. There is an extension to the roof line at either end of the central roof

/ part of the building. Two sky lights are present on the most southern front facing extension.

Wooden fascia, soffit and barge boards are present around all elevations of the building.

Internal Description

Internally the building has been cleared out with only the main walls and part of any loft

voids left. The southern half of the building has not attic void present being open to the

rafters. It appears that the roof may have been re-roofed in the past and had a breathable

roofing membrane fitted in this area only. The central section of the roof and extension to the

north west of the building do not appear to have any roofing membrane present. A vaulted

ceiling is present in this area with an attic space above it. Open attic hatches and holes in the

ceiling allowed a view into the space above.

The roof line of the extension to the north east (rear) of the building appears to be lath and

plaster with a small attic space above it. Again the attic hatch was missing in this area. Gaps

in the stonework were present at the gable apex on two gable ends of the building. They

appear to be arrow slit windows or similar.

A pile of twigs were noted on the ground adjacent to the south east gable wall below an arrow

slit window. However this could be coincidental and a result of sweeping up debris by former

owners.

1.2 Survey Constraints

Access into the attic spaces within the building was not possible due to the height of the void

and concerns over the structural integrity of the ceiling.

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Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

1.3 Surveyor Experience

Aislinn Harris is a full member of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental

Management (CIEEM). Aislinn is an ecologist with 10 years experience undertaking a wide

range of flora and fauna surveys. Aislinn is a licence bat worker with a current NRW survey

licence (SO85699-1).

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Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

2. Report Constraints

Ecological surveys are limited by factors which affect the presence of plants and animals

such as the time of year, migration patterns and behaviour. The survey methods employed can

provide evidence for the potential presence of bat at the times when the site was visited.

Although the methods follow best practice guidance and were carried out in such a way as to

maximise the chances of detection, failure to detect the target species cannot be considered as

definitive proof of their absence.

Even though bats are habitual creatures they can still move to new roosts if conditions are

more suitable. Therefore this report cannot predict the status of the structure in regard to bat

occupancy in the future. This report should be acted upon as soon as it is practical and will be

valid for two year from date of issue. If planning or building works are delayed, it is the

responsibility of the client to discuss and gain approval from the author before work

commences. Natural Resources Wales will only consider bat reports that are undertaken in

the preceding 2 years

3. Legal Constraints

Bats, and any place a bat uses for breeding or shelter, either currently occupied or unoccupied

are protected by European and British law, predominantly by The Conservation of Habitats

and Species Regulations 2017 which are the principal means by which the Habitats

Directive is transposed from European directive into law in England and Wales.

In summary this law states that it is an offence to:

• Deliberately capture or kill a bat • Deliberately disturb a bat • Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of a bat

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Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

• Keep, transport, sell or exchange, or offer for sale or exchange a living or dead

bat or any part of a bat

‘Deliberately’ may also be interpreted, as not intending to injure or kill a bat but having done

so due to being insufficiently informed and unaware of the consequences of the action. For a

more comprehensive description and exact wording of the legislation please refer to:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/490/contents/made

Where there is a risk that a bat roost may be present, it is incumbent upon the owner to

commission a specialist bat survey to identify bat roosts before any work commences.

Maximum penalties for offences relating to disturbance to bats or their roosts can amount to

imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or fines of up to Level 5 on the standard

scale under the Criminal Justice Act 1982/1991 (i.e. £5000 in April 2001) per roost or bat

disturbed or killed, or to both.

If a bat roost is discovered no work that could affect the roost can be undertaken until Natural

Resources Wales (NRW), grants a licence endorsing the work. A thorough method statement

and adequate mitigation proposal will need to be submitted to support any licence

application.

4. General Information

Bats are unable to build roosts themselves but instead rely on both man made and naturally

occurring features to provide suitable accommodation. Bats generally prefer older buildings

built with traditional materials, as traditional building methods provide more opportunities

for gaps and entrances to buildings. Traditional cut roofs are preferred to a roof with trusses.

Bats also prefer to roost where the external roost area has access to sunlight during the day

such as south facing roof elevations.

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Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

Bats can utilise the following features on a building; end tiles, barge board, soffit, gable end,

porch, lead flashing hanging tiles, ridge tiles, broken tiles, eaves, sash window frame, wood

cladding, fascia board, window sill, and internal roof spaces and timbers. Although this list

demonstrates the most popular roosting sites it is by no means definitive. Bats can use

apertures as small as 10mm in diameter to gain access.

The U.K bat population is divided into two distinct families, Rhinolophidae and

Vespertilionidae. In general, Rhinolophidae (Horse Shoe) bats differ in there roosting

requirement to Vespertilionidae (The remainder of UK bat species), in that Horseshoe bats

prefer to roost in large areas such as internal attic spaces and hang in the open from the roof

of the roost. The bats tend to roost in visible clusters to maintain the high temperatures that a

maternity colony needs. Horseshoe bats also prefer free flight access and egress into the

roosting area. Horseshoe bats tend to be more light averting to other UK bat species, and

routinely fly around the internal roosting area to warm up before exiting. It is noted that

Plecotus (Long Eared) bats share some of these preferences. Vesper bats are on the whole are

crevice dwelling bats who squeeze into small apertures to access the roost. These like

Horseshoe bats will cluster in maternity colonies, but are normally hidden from view. Vesper

bats with the exception of Long Eared bats do not require a large internal roost to fly around

before exit. Long Eared bats although part of the vesper family are very light averting and

will on occasions share the roosting patterns of both Horseshoe and crevice dwelling species.

5. External Scoping Survey

A scoping survey was undertaken on the 30th January 2020 in conditions of good natural

light, the majority of external aspects of the buildings were comprehensively evaluated for

roost potential. Evidence was also sought for any staining or droppings, which could suggest

bat occupation. Binoculars were used when required.

The building was inspected for overt evidence of bat presence and occupation such as: • Staining around entry or roosting point caused by oils secreted by the bat

into its fur

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Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

• Scratching on surfaces caused by the bat in the act of take off and landing • Bat droppings on walls, floors, roof voids, window cills or panes and barge

boards • Urine stains below a possible entrance site, within entrance to a cavity

or on timbers used for roosting • Bats can produce chatter on warm evenings prior to leaving the roost. A

heterodyne bat detector is used to help determine this • Flies around entrance or on the floor of possible roosts, which may be

attracted to bat guano.

The roof tiles of the building appear to be in very good condition with hardly any gaps

or cracks visible. The flashing around the cheeks of the dormer windows does not

appear tight. The louvred window or vent could also have gaps within it suitable for bat

access. The rafters of the roof appear to be exposed at eaves level around the building

and there appears to be some gaps between the soffit boards and walls on the gable ends

as well. Photos of the building are shown in Appendix 1. No evidence of the presence of bats

was noted on the exterior of the building.

6. Internal Scoping Survey

An internal inspection of the building within the proposed development site footprint was

undertaken on the 31st January 2020. No bat droppings or evidence of bat presence was

noted within the building. Whilst it was not possible to access the attic spaces present in parts

of the building, given that there were holes in the ceiling and no attic hatches present, if a

large number of bats have been resident in the building occasional droppings falling through

gaps or from exercising in the building would be likely. However the building has been swept

in the recent past which may have removed evidence.

Crevice dwelling bats may also be present between the roofing tiles and roofing timbers of

the building. They could possibly be present between the roofing tiles and roofing membrane

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Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

in the southern half of the building. Evidence of their presence in this location is difficult to

ascertain based on a scoping survey alone.

No bird droppings, splashing or birds nests were noted within the building. As noted above

twigs were found in a pile on the floor at the southern half of the building. However as they

were on the floor it is thought unlikely they were from a recent birds nest.

7. Activity Surveys

The emergence surveys were carried out during the maternity season and adhered to current

best practice guidelines. These surveys were conducted from half an hour before sunset until

two hours post sunset. The surveyors used are all experienced bat counters who have

undergone sufficient training in basic bat ecology and bat activity. Six surveyors were used

during the activity surveys. All Sound analysis was undertaken by Richard Watkins.

1 ) Dusk Activity Survey - 25th May 2020

Weather Conditions - 16℃, clear sky, calm

Surveyors - Mason Smith Lloyd James, Cait Watkins, Rich Watkins, Scott Watkins, Tyrone Evans

Sunset Time - 21:14

A maternity colony of Common Pipistrelle bats noted in a property opposite the development site, to the north west on School Road. Majority of bats exited the adjacent house in to the woodland behind that property. Later on the late emerging bats flew over the school building to the area of woodland behind. One common pipistrelle exited a small area of lead flashing at the bottom of a lead roof valley on south elevation of school.

2) Dusk Activity Survey - 28th June 2020

Weather Conditions - 20℃, light cloud cover, calm,

Surveyors - Mason Smith Lloyd James, Cait Watkins, Hannah Evans, Scott Watkins, Tyrone Evans

Sunset Time - 21:32

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Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

Similar activity noted as previous survey in May. Pipistrelle maturity roost still present in

adjacent residential house. A small number of common pipistrelle bats flew over the school

building heading west. One common pipistrelle exited a small area of lead flashing at the

bottom of a lead roof valley on south elevation of school.

The weather conditions were conducive for bat activity. The temperature was above 12

degrees Celsius for all the surveys, there was little wind and no rain. Best viewing conditions

were obtained. Anabat and Echometer Touch Pro bat detectors using frequency division were

present to acoustically record any bat calls.

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Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

Photographs of bat roost location identified within the building during activity surveys.

8. Concluding Remarks and Recommendations

A scoping survey of the proposed development site concluded that the building had moderate

potential for bats to be present and recommended that activity surveys were completed. Two

bat activity surveys have been completed focused on the former Miskin Primary School

building. The bat surveys were completed during the bat active season and core maternity

period for bats. A maximum of one common pipistrelle bat was found to roost within the

building. The former Miskin Primary School building is a confirmed bat roost location

for small numbers of day roosting male / non breeding female common pipistrelle bats.

Any proposed development work that affects the roof, attic spaces or roof timbers will

require a derogation licence from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) prior to works on site

commencing. A derogation licence can be applied for once planning consent has been granted

and all relevant ecological conditions attached to the consent are discharged. A licence from

NRW take approximately 6 weeks to be granted once all the correct paperwork is submitted.

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Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

Appropriate mitigation for the loss and disturbance of the current roost location will be

required. The Environment (Wales) Act 2016 also requires that comment bodies seek to

conserve and enhance development site for wildlife. It is proposed to provide 2 integrated bat

boxes at the gable apex of two the rear facing roof lines. The exact specification of t bat

boxes will depend on stock availability but a box design similar to the Schwegler 2FR is

recommended.

The location of each bat box will be above a large window however the rear (south east)

facing elevation provides the quickest link to the surrounding vegetated landscape. In order to

maximise the lining space within the building a hot roof design using a breathable roofing

membrane for the building with a number of sky lights is proposed. Therefore it is difficult to

provide rooting provision for bats elsewhere. Limited space is available within the site

footprint for soft landscaping which could help to create dark commuting corridors away

from the bat roost provision. Therefore careful consideration of lighting within the site will

be required.

In summary, it is recommended that:

• A development licence form NRW is sought prior to any work commencing to the roof of

the building within the proposed development site.

• Two integrated bat boxes will be proposed on the south east elevation of the building.

• A lighting strategy that keeps artificial lighting within the site to a minimum will be

required. Dark commuting corridors across the site will be required. All external lighting

must be set on a motion activated timer for a minimal period of time. All lighting must be

cowled and directional to prevent light spill.

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Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

Appendix 1 – Site Photographs

Breathable roofing membrane south section View of sky lights

View of damaged interior ceiling View of open attic hatch & roof

View of unlined section of roof View of damaged interior ceiling

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Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

Rear (south east) elevation Flat roof extension & access into building

North east elevation South west elevation

Front (north west) elevation Front (north west) elevation

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Bat Ac(vity Survey Ecological Services Ltd Former Miskin Primary School

Appendix 2 - Aerial View of Site in Wider Landscape

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