Bat surveys and mitigation design for barn conversion at a private estate in Hampshire
A programme of bat surveys to support the conversion of a traditional farm building on the Breamore Estate, confirming multiple bat roosts and informing a licensed mitigation and enhancement strategy.
The project
The project involved a farm barn, proposed for conversion into a residential dwelling. The building sits within a wider rural farmstead surrounded by arable land and hedgerows, providing suitable habitat for bats. As the proposals involved significant works to the building fabric, including the roof structure, detailed bat surveys were required to understand how bats were using the building and to inform how the development could proceed lawfully.
Our role
Wessex Ecology was commissioned to complete a comprehensive programme of bat surveys, including a preliminary roost assessment, internal and external inspections, hibernation surveys and multiple dusk emergence surveys. The work built on earlier survey data and updated the evidence base to reflect current roost use. Survey results were used to assess ecological constraints, advise on licensing requirements and design detailed mitigation and enhancement measures in line with best practice and wildlife legislation.
Outcome
The surveys confirmed the presence of bat roosts within the barn, including common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle and serotine, with additional bat activity recorded across the wider site. Bats were identified as an ecological constraint to the proposed works, requiring a European Protected Species Licence from Natural England. A comprehensive mitigation and enhancement strategy was developed, including bat boxes, integrated bat roost features within the new roof design and wider biodiversity enhancements. This approach provided a clear pathway for the project to progress while safeguarding bat populations and delivering long-term ecological benefits.
Key facts
Location: Hampshire
Sector: Rural development
Site type: Traditional farm barn within an estate setting
Services provided: Bat roost assessment, bat emergence surveys, hibernation surveys, EPS licence support