Cuthay Farm European Protected Species Licence

Essential works were required for the restoration of Cuthay Farm. Without the works to the barn and annex it was likely that the building would deteriorate and eventually be unsuitable as a bat roost.

The works to the barn also incorporated a dedicated bat roost in the house so that the future of the bat roost was safeguarded. Once planning permission was granted DEC applied for a Defra Bat licence application (now called a European Protected Species Licence) for works, on behalf of the owner.

The original roost was of low conservation value but did contain evidence (droppings) of the rare Lesser Horseshoe Bat. By timing the commencement of works to the annex to avoid the active season for bats, the risk of disturbing or injuring a bat was greatly reduced and no work commenced without pre-work bat checks.

Mitigation was put in place to further reduce this risk and to provide an alternative roost for the bats whilst work was being undertaken on the main barn. Once work was completed, a dedicated bat roost was provided on site. One building was not being developed at this stage and remained available to bats.