For some time Tracks Ecology has been providing pro bono advice in relation to conflict resolution at a site in Fort Augustus where a large soprano pipistrelle roost (>1000 bats) has been causing problems in a guest house. The issues resulted in modifications to the roost being required and this week we saw the roost modifications completed (undertaken under SNH Licence).
Works underway with fine weather!
Careful consideration of the bats and how they are using the roost was required to maximise the chances of maintaining the roost at favourable conservation status. We constructed a large bespoke internal box at the location of the existing roost with entrance locations restricted but maintained in the same location. Additional measures include a summer/winter external bat box (also acted as a receptor for a small number of bats found during works), a secondary roost entrance through a bat slate and an increased number of crevice roost spaces within the main roost.
We'll return later in the year to see if the measures have worked and the bats return in good numbers.