20th June 2006, 05:59 PM
Generalities on this - differnt bats have different requirements at different times of year - there are breeeding and nursery sites, winter hibernating sites etc - some bat roosts are almost unbelievably small 0 the gaps betwen roof tiles for example.
for birds, the most common use is probbly owls in barns - these can be accomodated in conversions by fitting an owl box - it must be fitted in such a way that it can be accessed occasionally for cleaning out, other wise it can become fairly verminous.
I would advise discussing buildings and wildlife on a case by case basis with the appropriately qualified ecologists - if the integrity or long term futrture of the building may be compromised then don't do it, if the buildlng will happily accomodate four species of bats, three owls and a small family of badgers in the roof space without damage then go ahead.
for birds, the most common use is probbly owls in barns - these can be accomodated in conversions by fitting an owl box - it must be fitted in such a way that it can be accessed occasionally for cleaning out, other wise it can become fairly verminous.
I would advise discussing buildings and wildlife on a case by case basis with the appropriately qualified ecologists - if the integrity or long term futrture of the building may be compromised then don't do it, if the buildlng will happily accomodate four species of bats, three owls and a small family of badgers in the roof space without damage then go ahead.