When planning the adaptation works, there are two main sets of criteria. One is to match bat biology and preferences, and the other is to adjust to the changing conditions over the season as well as round the clock. External weather may influence even best insulated building, so it is wise to provide different conditions and leave it for the bats to choose what’ best for them in the moment.
The Horseshoes were granted with one room at the ground level and the whole attic. Unfortunately, the attic had too much light (and draughts) for the bats, which would be unrealistic to mend, assuming available resources. The main adaptations have been done in the room, and small extension was set on the attic with the special entrance from below cut through the ceiling. The extension is solid and air- and light-proof. Its location helps to trap warmer air and thus differentiate the microclimatic conditions available to the colony.
The ground floor room was also upgraded to the bat salon level. A screen was placed across the room dividing it into darker and draught-less part behind and the entrance hall in front of it. The only window was left for bats to fly in, but also screened with a baffle painted black to better reduce the entering light levels. It reduces draughts as well. The entrance door were insulated and strengthened for the same purpose.
As some of the surfaces are very smooth, rough wood was used to ease up hanging of the bats on them. Fruit boxes and some battens have been fixed to the ceiling for this purpose.
