Bat Scoping 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: [email protected]W: www.ecologicalservices.wales Author Date Version Ash Harris 19th February 2020 V1.0 1
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Bat Scoping Survey
Project: Former Miskin Primary School, Miskin
Instructed by: Trivallis
Reported by: Ecological Services Ltd 10 Mount Pleasant, Llanelly Hill, Abergavenny, Monmouth NP7 0NT
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 Scoping Survey 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 Scoping Survey 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. Summary of Survey Findings
No evidence of the presence of bats was noted during the scoping survey completed at the
Former Miskin Primary School, Miskin. However, suitable access gaps for bats were noted
around the building. It was also not possible to access the open attic spaces present in parts of
the building and evidence of bats in these areas could have been missed. Although it must be
remembered that the attic spaces were open and any animals present in the building would
not be restricted to the attic space. Whilst no evidence of the presence of bats was noted
within the building, the presence of a ceiling could hide any droppings.
The building is located in a semi urban location being on the outskirts of Miskin. The rear
elevation of the building opens out to fields and tree lines leading to the wider countryside.
Hendy Quarry is located approximately 200m away.
No evidence of nesting bird use of the building was observed during the site inspection.
However bird nesting cannot be ruled out within the building. The arrow slit window on the
gable ends of the building and exposed rafters at the eaves could provide access for nesting
birds. Of particular relevance is the record of barn owl hunting over habitat only 190m away
from the site. Another record of possible nesting barn owl is provided via the data search
around 670m away from site.
8. Concluding Remarks and Recommendations
Based on the location of the building and the potential access points noted around the
exterior, the Former Miskin Primary School is assessed as having at least moderate
potential for bat use. Two bat activity surveys are recommended to establish the
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Bat Scoping Survey Former Miskin Primary School
presence or likely absence of bats within the building. A minimum of six experienced bat
surveyors should be used to adequately cover the building during surveys. Bat activity
surveys must follow best practice guidance given in Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists
by BCT (2016).
The results of the activity surveys can be used to devise a suitable scheme of mitigation for
the development. If bats are found to be resident within the building, a development licence
from NRW may be required for any works which affect the structure. This process is separate
to planning consent and can only be applied for once planning consent has been granted.
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Bat Scoping Survey 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 Scoping Survey 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 Scoping Survey Former Miskin Primary School
Appendix 2 - Aerial View of Site in Wider Landscape