Bonfire Night is a highlight of the autumn calendar, bringing communities together with fireworks, gatherings, and seasonal celebrations. But for Scotland’s wildlife, this time of year can be challenging. Hedgehogs are often mentioned in public guidance, yet bats can also be affected if bonfires or lighting disturb the spaces they rely on for shelter.
This blog explains how bonfires and fireworks can affect bats, why simple precautions make a difference, and how to enjoy festivities while keeping wildlife safe.
How Bonfire Night can affect bats
Most bats in Scotland enter periods of torpor during late autumn, especially on colder nights. They conserve energy by staying inside roosts such as tree hollows, roof spaces, sheds, bridges, and stone walls. Although they are less active at this time of year, sudden noise, bright light, or vibration can still disturb them.
Potential impacts include:
Waking bats during torpor, forcing them to use valuable energy reserves
Disorientation from bright lighting, especially for bats roosting close to gardens
Disturbance from smoke, which may enter tree cavities or building crevices
Accidental burning of wood piles used as temporary bat shelters
Most impacts are avoidable with small, thoughtful steps.
Checking wood piles before lighting a bonfire
Although bats do not usually roost on the ground, they may use low wood piles, stacked branches, or garden materials as temporary resting spaces during autumn.
Before lighting a bonfire:
Move the entire pile to a new location and rebuild it on the day of burning
Check crevices and gaps with a torch
Look for signs of wildlife presence
Avoid lighting fires against sheds, tree lines, or buildings where bats may roost
Rebuilding the bonfire immediately before lighting is the most effective way to avoid harm to hidden wildlife.
Fireworks and lighting near bat roosts
Fireworks create brief but intense bursts of light and noise. While a single firework display is unlikely to harm a bat roost, repeated displays or fireworks set off directly beside roost entrances may cause disturbance.
To minimise risk:
Keep fireworks away from known bat roost locations
Avoid directing lights or lanterns at buildings, trees, or bridges
Choose low-noise fireworks where possible
Keep outdoor lighting to the minimum needed for safety
Small adjustments help reduce unnecessary stress on bats already coping with colder conditions.
Finding a grounded or disoriented bat
Occasionally, loud noise or bright light may cause a bat to leave its roost unexpectedly. If you find a bat grounded, active during very cold weather, or inside a building:
Keep pets away
Do not handle the bat
Contain the space to prevent further disturbance
Contact Bat Conservation Trust’s national helpline for advice
Prompt guidance ensures the bat receives appropriate help without causing further stress.
Celebrating responsibly
Bonfire Night can be enjoyed safely without harming wildlife. By rebuilding wood piles, keeping fireworks away from roost areas, and reducing unnecessary lighting, communities can protect bats while enjoying the tradition.
These small steps make a meaningful difference during a time of year when bats are particularly vulnerable.
References
Bat Conservation Trust 2023. Wildlife and Fireworks Guidance. Bat Conservation Trust, London.
NatureScot 2020. Bats: Species and Winter Behaviour. NatureScot, Inverness.
Scottish Government 2019. Wildlife Crime and Protected Species. Scottish Government, Edinburgh.