DAFF Bat Habitat Response

Department Of Agriculture, Fisheries And Forestry

Rheynn Eirinys, Eeastaght as Keylljyn

Isle of Man Government Weldife and Conservation Office

Ms J Callow Secretary to the Planning Committee DoLGE Murray house Mount Havelock Douglas Isle of Man IM1 2SF

Agriculture & Wildlife Division Knockaloe Farm, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 3AJ

Telephone: (01624) 842335 Fax: (01624) 844374 Wildlife out-of-hours answerphone: Telephone: (01624) 843109

e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

Chief Agricultural Officer: D.N. Peck, B.Sc. (Agr.)

17th December 2003

Dear Ms Callow

Re. PA 03/01805/A Approval in principle for erection of dwelling, land forming part of Mill Kent, Bridge Road, Ballasalla

The proposed development site is adjacent to the Silver Burn and has several trees on the site. The Silver Burn and its adjacent wooded habitats are extremely important but feeding habitat as all seven species of bat that occur on the island have been recorded feeding in the local area. Optimum feeding habitat for bats are sheltered open areas with lots of insects, and trees give shelter to both bats and the insects they feed on, as well as providing a source of insects. If the committee is minded to agree to this planning application we recommend that a condition is attached to protect the trees on the site, both during the construction phase and thereafter in order to maintain the sheltered feeding habitat for bats.

Yours sincerely,

Louise Samson Wildlife and Conservation Officer

Conserving our Manx wildlife heritage, an asset to be cherished.