Renovations to Grade I Listed Mansion

Corbel Conservation Ltd

Keystone Ecology were commissioned to undertake surveys, apply for and implement an EPS licence and undertake monitoring surveys of a grade I listed mansion in Somerset, which included a Lesser Horseshoe Bat maternity colony and hibernation roost.

What did we do?

• Following preliminary surveys, we designed and implemented a suite surveys of the building and cellars to confirm the status of the identified roosts.
• Analysed baseline bat survey data to assess potential impacts of building restoration and repair under an enforcement notice from English Heritage on resident bat roosts and local bat populations.
• Designed an appropriate mitigation/compensation strategy and applied for, and thereafter implemented an EPS licence in respect of bats.
• Prevented delay in work schedule by enabling specified works whilst waiting for a modified EPS licence to be secured once monitoring surveys identified an increase in bat activity on site.
• Implemented a strategy to ensure protection of bats within the property without compromising the delivery of the overall project upon the discovery of a status change on site.

How did we do it?

• The bat surveys were undertaken by licensed bat surveyors with extensive experience of complex buildings to ensure the collection of robust field data.
• Survey effort and timings were agreed with Natural England prior to implementation and undertaken in line with best practice guidance.
• Surveys established precise bat numbers and movement within the buildings. Results were used to identify specified areas of the building where works could progress preventing delays in the work programme.
• Methods to address dry rot and minor roof/masonry works were agreed with Natural England.
• Regular site meetings were organised with the client to discuss mitigation options, approve design and measures to ensure the continued exclusion of bats from the property.

What were the outcomes?

• An EPS licence was successfully obtained and exclusion and re-roofing work commenced on schedule. Dry rot treatment, masonry repairs and additional works continued before securing the modified licence needed due to change in site status.
• Mitigation/compensation for bats was delivered in accordance with the licence and adapted in light of the roost status increase without compromising budget or programme of works.
• Monitoring has shown bats have quickly used new roosting provisions and continue to use those retained, confirming that favourable conservation status has been maintained.