These reports and surveys were commissioned by Amanda Needham of Volute Architects. The first phase of the project was supported by a grant from National Churches Trust.
This was carried out by Soltys Brewster Landscape Architects and Ecologists between April and June 2018.
Building Inspection Survey (Protected Species) 25th June 2018 (pdf) | Download | Open in viewer |
Two locations were identified as possible bat roosts, one in the Hornbeam tree and the other under the fascia board of the schoolroom. Both were watched but there was no evidence that roosting bats were present. No specific mitigation or licensing will be required for the proposed refurbishment works.
In case a bat is present, hand tools (e.g. crowbar) should be used if practicable to remove any boarding, raised tiles or flashing. Before felling the Hornbeam, the rot hole should be checked for bats. Contractors should be briefed on the low risk that bats could be encountered, and if a bat were discovered, all work in the area should cease immediately and the project ecologist or Natural Resources Wales be contacted for advice.
Timing of the start of work, and in particular any tree felling or roof works to the Schoolroom should coincide with the period when bats are least susceptible to disturbance, commencing September/October or March/April if possible.
There was no evidence of current use by nesting birds but there is an old nest on the schoolroom by the WC. A check for nesting birds by a suitably experienced ecologist would be advised if refurbishment works are proposed between 1st March and 31st August (i.e. in the nesting season).
These reports and surveys were commissioned by Amanda Needham of Volute Architects. The first phase of the project was supported by a grant from National Churches Trust.