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Bats

Answer

There are strict regulations with regards to bat conservation that you need to be aware of prior to starting any project of this nature. In England, Natural England can grant what is known as a European Protected Species (EPS) Licence, which may allow you to carry out the work subject to certain conditions. In Wales, the issuing authority is the Welsh Government (links can be found in 'Related Information').

In order to obtain the licence, you will need to gain the services of an Environmental Consultant who will help you to plan what will happen to the bats. Bats are a protected species and the licence will not be granted if there is no proposal included for re-homing the bats.

If work is carried out without consulting the above organisations, you may commit a criminal offence and could be liable for a large fine or a custodial sentence.

For more detailed advice on this subject please contact the Bat Conservation Trust, linked in related information.

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Answer

As a European Protected Species (EPS ), there are strict regulations with regards to bat conservation that you need to be aware of prior to starting any project of this nature. In England, a government agency called Natural England offer advice on such matters and may arrange a visit your home to offer you the necessary help. Their advice may be to wait until the bats have left for the autumn to carry out your work, or to suggest the use of bat boxes to re-home the bats.

In Wales, the Welsh Government is responsible for monitoring any disturbance of bats and, like Natural England, they are able to grant a licence for work to be carried out in certain circumstances. You must not go ahead and carry out the work without first consulting the appropriate authority as you will be committing a criminal offence and could be liable for a large fine or custodial sentence.

For more detailed advice on this subject please contact the Bat Conservation Trust, linked in the related information section.

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Answer

A bat that is in your house will have got in there by mistake. Do not handle a flying bat, you could injure yourself or the bat. If you have to handle a bat be careful and always wear gloves.

  • close the door to the room
  • dim the lights
  • open all windows

This will give the bat a chance to find it's own way out of the room.

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Answer

A licence may be required. Bats are a European Protected Species (EPS) and, as such, it is an offence for anyone to injure or handle a bat, disturb a roosting bat or damage a resting or breeding place of a bat without a licence. You should contact the bat advice service for details and to find out the best time of year to carry out this kind of work and which chemicals are safe for bats:

Bat Conservation Trust Advice Line: 0845 1300 228

You may be able to get a licence to do an activity that would otherwise be illegal. 

Licences and further guidance can be obtained from the following authorities:

Natural England
Tel: 0845 6014523
email: wildlife@naturalengland.org.uk

Welsh Government
Tel: 0300 062 2253
email: natureconservation@wales.gsi.gov.uk

For more information and an application form for a licence, please see the Related Information.

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Answer

If bats are present you are likely to need a licence under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and to carry out mitigation to ensure that the bats retain their required habitat. Initially you will need to arrange a survey for bats with a competent consultant. The results of this survey should be made available to the local planning authority to aid them in making a decision on the planning application. Following discussion with your consultant, you should apply for a licence from Natural England if required before you can start work. For further advice you can contact the Wildlife Licensing Unit on 0845 6014523 or email: wildlife@naturalengland.org.uk

For more information please see the Related Information.

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Answer

Yes. Bats are a European Protected Species (EPS) and, as such, it is an offence to deliberately capture or kill bats, to deliberately disturb a bat or to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting site of any bat.

If it is necessary for any such activities to be undertaken, then the appropriate licence should be obtained through the following authorities:

Natural England
Tel: 0845 6014523
Email: wildlife@naturalengland.org.uk

Welsh Government
Tel: 0300 062 2253
Email: natureconservation@wales.gsi.gov.uk

For more information and to download a licence application form, please see the Related Information. A 'Management Guide' in relation to bats in churches is also available via the link provided.

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