A clear bat ecologist brief for roof or barn works explains what the project proposes. Existing and proposed drawings should tell the same story as the written brief.
This is an information checklist for the initial discussion. It does not decide whether a bat survey may be needed, replace an assessment or authorise work on a potential roost.
Describe the actual work
State whether the proposal involves repair, replacement, conversion, demolition or another alteration. Explain the parts of the structure affected and the intended sequence. Include any related external works or lighting proposals.
Distinguish confirmed details from options. If the roof covering, access method or extent of alteration is undecided, make that visible. The ecologist can then explain what further information they need for the proposed scope.
Provide a coordinated drawing set
| Document | Useful context |
|---|---|
| Existing plans and elevations | The current structure and the part affected by the works. |
| Proposed plans and elevations | The changes, labelled clearly and linked to the written work description. |
| Relevant detail drawings | The detail being proposed, with its revision and status. |
| Site plan | The building position, surrounding features and intended access. |
| Works programme | The proposed sequence and any assumptions still to be agreed. |
List drawing numbers, dates and revisions. An annotated comparison can help the ecologist locate the proposed changes, provided it is clear which document is authoritative.
Include existing evidence and ordinary site context
List earlier ecology reports, relevant planning correspondence and any known constraints. Describe ordinary access arrangements and identify who controls access to the property. Supply existing site photographs if they help explain the proposal, with dates and locations.
Do not disturb features, enter unsafe spaces or attempt to search for bats to produce the brief. Tell the ecologist what information is unavailable and arrange the appropriate next step.
Make the scope and limitations a conversation
A preliminary roost assessment may be relevant to a building proposal. The appropriate evidence depends on the structure, site and work. Natural England’s bat planning advice provides the planning context; the specialist should explain how it relates to the particular proposal.
The project team should know which drawings the advice relates to. If the design changes after assessment, ask whether the earlier scope and conclusions still describe the project.
Record design changes rather than hiding them
Illustrative example: an early barn conversion brief describes internal refurbishment, but a later design adds alterations to the roof. The coordinator flags the change, sends the revised drawings and asks the ecologist to review its significance before the team relies on the earlier advice.
A short change log can record the altered detail, the drawing revision and the person asked to review it. Keep any unresolved response visible in the project programme.
Roof works: check the bat ecologist brief
- Describe the works and the development stage.
- Identify the current existing and proposed drawing set.
- State which design details remain uncertain.
- List previous ecological information and correspondence.
- Explain access and the responsible site contact.
- Ask which information is needed to agree the scope.
Bats and roosts have legal protection, and a briefing document does not confer permission for works. Refer any protection or licensing question to competent advice. Natural England explains bat protection and licences.
To discuss the proposal, use ACP’s bat survey service and provide the works summary and document list. The team can confirm the information needed for a suitable scope.