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Bats and the UK Law

In England bats and their roosts are protected by law. In summary, it is illegal to kill, injure, or disturb bat roosts because of the following legislation:

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1991 provides provision for all bats and their roosts and requires consultation with English Nature (in England) before carrying out activities that might harm or disturb bats and/or their roosts.

Countryside & Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 add they word "reckless" to the offence of disturbing a bat or damaging/destroying a place a bat uses for shelter (ie, a bat roost). This is important legislation because it protects bats and roosts from reckless and/or intentional disturbance/damage.

The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (otherwise known as the Habitats Regulations). Under this legislation it is an offence to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of any bat, or to deliberately capture, kill or disturb a bat. Most development and maintenance works affecting bats and/or roosts e.g. bridge/tree maintenance works, any demolition, barn conversions, works to churches etc, therefore require a Habitats Regulations License. So, in England, before works affecting bats or roosts is undertaken, a Habitats Regulations Licence must be applied for and obtained from the Dept of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

If you require a UK Bat Survey for a Planning Application contact Peter Arnott on (01759) 372779

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