[spandit]

Just got the survey report back on the house we're trying to buy and it came with a lovely photo of a bat in the loft! Nothing to be concerned about and happy for it to be there (not sure of species).




There's also loads of asbestos but as long as we don't start disturbing it, shouldn't be a problem. He concluded that the purchase price is fair so the mortgage shouldn't be a problem...

Moving on slowly... 

[HappyHippy]

I'm not sure if rules might have changed in the last 15 years or so, but we had a fairly major bat problem in the loft of the old farmhouse (to the point where their droppings were staining the upstairs ceilings  ) and we were advised that under no circumstances could we attempt to move them out or conduct any works while they were there (on account of them being protected)
So while one bat is cute (and I do like bats, yours looks like a long eared bat) you'd better hope he doesn't bring all his pals back too 

[Min]

Awesome!  I love bats. I agree, it looks like a brown long eared bat.

[john and helen]

we where told, you can't do any work until the bats move out (if you have bats) this would mean you only get a 3 month window to build a bat friendly Roof belfry type thing.... i would really look into the law, as bats seem to have more rights than you do

[plumseverywhere]

We lived in a barn conversion prior to moving here and we had bats in the eaves. Loved them! used to sit with a glass of vino at night watching them coming out, their chattering used to be a bit annoying when I had newborns  and only once did one come into the bedroom and circle us for 2 hours (my husband hid under the duvet saying "Its Ok lisa, it won't hurt us...." while I watched fascinated!
There are loads of restrictions with building though which is a pain and you might get bat watchign groups ask if they can perform  surveys in your garden!

[in the hills]

The old school near to where we live has been sold and is being converted to a residential dwelling. It was suspected that bats were in the loft and new owners had to have a survey ... cost over £1000. They could not begin any building work until new bat entries had been made and they couldn't do this until a permission licence was granted even though the bats had departed for the winter.


They are extending the property and have to create bat friendly roof boxes/spaces even on the entirely new part of the property.


 I do like bats though 

[Bionic]

I have bats but I'm not keen on them coming into the bedroom or lounge.
There is a good advice leaflet on Bats in living areas
www.bats.org.uk/publications.../Bats_in_living_areas_advice_leaflet.pdf?

[Lesley Silvester]

I love bats too.

Lisa, my ex did exactly the same as Tony when we had one in the bedroom.  I got out of bed and put the light on because we heard it fluttering round and he shot under the duvet while I rescued him - ex and the bat. I just switched of the light, drew back the curtains and opened the window wide, then switched the light on again. The bat shot towards the dark and safety and, once I assured him that all the windows were shut and it was safe, my ex slowly emerged. Doesn't it make you feel good to have a big, strong man to protect you, girls? 

[cloddopper]

Years ago before my FIL turned his toes up he got bitten on the cheek by a bat that flew close to his face as he waved his arms about lifting the trap door lid  .
 
It turned septic and at one stage it was thought he'd contracted rabies , half his face puffed up for week and eventually turned a deathly shade of grey . over the next few month the skin shed off and he was left with a nice new baby pink skin blotch on his right cheek and chin  . It was still noticeable when he died 15 yrs. later at the age of 94.

 He made sure it would never happen again by using a lit sulphur candle on a plate  in the roof void to assist the bats to relocate elsewhere whilst he went on holiday for a fortnight .