Bat roosts in trees
All Scottish bat species roost in trees to a greater or
lesser extent. Often it is difficult to ascertain whether a tree may contain a
bat roost. Roost holes may be high above ground level and difficult to see,
especially in summer, when foliage can obscure the view.
Certain physical signs can help. For example, droppings below a roost entrance
or smear marks at a tree hole. On a warm day "chittering" sounds can
sometimes be heard from a roost.
Features used by bats include rotted-out holes, cracks, split branches and
under loose bark. Some species of tree are more likely to offer suitable roost
sites than others, for example Ash or old Oak trees often have suitable
features, whereas most ornamental conifers do not.
To identify whether a bat roost may be present in a tree a visual survey allows
features with potential for roosting bats to be identified. In some cases it
may be necessary to use access equipment to examine features in trees or use a tree climber to gain access to a potential roost feature. Usually
an endoscope is used to look inside cracks and holes, for the presence of bats
and for droppings and other signs. A sunset emergence survey, using bat
detectors and infra-red video may show the presence of an occupied roost.
All bat roosts are legally protected, whether or not bats are present.
Disturbing or destroying a roost is a criminal offence, unless a derogation
license is first obtained. Ignorance of their presence is no defence if a bat
survey has not been carried out, so it's always worth seeking professional advice. The bat specialists at David Dodds Associates are always happy to help with advice if you're considering felling or tree surgery work.