Uh -oh - bats in the attic!

[betterwhenthesunshines]

We are doing building work at the moment. No one has told us we should check for bats until now. Also have mice in attic problem so had 2 people in to check and advise on how to do deal with that. No one mentioned bats until Friday when some droppings were discovered.

Have had a number of conversations with Bat conservation trust and an ecologist who is getting back to me with more details. It looks like we need to have survey completed, but what then?

A bat survey was NOT part of our planning permision, but now works have started and we are in a contract with the builder. We did all surveys for asbestos etc before work started and have complied with everything. If the advice is to, say stop all work until spring this could cost us tens of thousands of pounds. I'm panicking---please anyone any advice.

[BirdyBedtime]

No advice but just wanted to say poor you!! We are currently having drawings done for an extension and did have a conversation jokily about what we'd do if bats were found - I'm afraid it was a very non-PC answer but unfortunately in your situation as officials are now aware you have them our solution is not possible! A colleague of DH's did have to spend a significant sum when renovating a house on making it bat friendly and it can lead to delays unfortunately. You shouldn't panic though as there will be established ways of dealing with things and the BCT should be able to guide you through it all. Do you think your builder would be sympathetic to delays outwith your control?

[betterwhenthesunshines]

WE had a non PC conversation but all involved wanted to try and do things 'properly' as the fine is £5k per bat !! I think if there are delays it will cost us heavily, I very much doubt that the builder would be sympathetic to this. At that point I may well go from a bat lover to a bat hater.

We are not doing roof extension or anything - just major refurb in house below which includes rewiring, for which we need attic access.

[betterwhenthesunshines]

Now have an ecologist coming to assess for us. Not an enormous expense. It seems that work in other areas can continue , but not in the attic until it's been checked. But all should be OK within appropriate guidelines as we are not doing any building work in the attic ( ie not a loft conversion) but just need access for rewiring.

I will report back, but if anyone else has any experience?