Why are Bats Protected?

All native species of bats have declined over the last 50 years, so they are all protected by law.

There is significant evidence that all 18 UK bat species (10 in Scotland) have declined over the last 50 years. There are several explanations for their population decline:

  • Increased use of pesticides and a massive reduction in the invertebrate populations bats feed on.

  • Loss of habitat including hedgerows, woodland, and roost spaces.

  • Timber treatment in attics and other roosting sites with toxic chemicals.

Are bats pests?

In short, no! Hollywood films have demonised bats for many decades, causing some people to be afraid of or willing to harm bats to remove them from their property. Bats in the UK are all relatively small, insect-eating, and uninterested in their human neighbours. 

A dark flapping thing in the night sky can seem creepy and unpredictable, but up close bats are small, furry creatures with remarkable adaptations to life on the wing.

When seen silhouetted against a dim night sky they look much bigger than they are up close, and a single pipistrelle can roost in a crevice roughly the size of your thumb!

Aren’t they like rodents?

Bats are more closely related to primates than they are to rodents, so there are several big differences between the two:

  • Unlike rodents, bats are slow to reproduce, with most species having just one pup per year. Their slow approach to reproduction means if a colony is lost it can take decades to recover.

  • Bats hibernate to conserve energy, while rodents stay awake and active year round. The cold northern climate and bats’ insect-based diet means many bats don’t make it through their annual winter hibernation.

  • Bats tend to return to the same roosts annually so their roosts are protected whether they are inhabited at the time or not.

  • Bats can live for many years, with our team encountering bats well into their teens (identified by forearm rings, and one with a forearm ring and a missing ear!).

If you are considering carrying out any action that could impact or affect a roosting location, for example…

  • Roof repairs

  • Timber treatment

  • Building renovation or demolition

  • Or removing branches from a mature tree

…You should consider if a bat survey is required first. Bat specialists at David Dodds Associates can give informal advice from the very beginning of your project planning, and the earlier you reach out the better!

Be aware there are seasonal limitations on when bat surveys can be carried out, so plan as far ahead as possible!

Our Lastest Blogs

Featured
How do you get a licence for a bat roost?
How do you get a licence for a bat roost?

You need a licence for your home renovation or development project. Here’s a quick look at the licensing process so you know what to expect.

Hair-Raising Bat Myths: What If It Gets in My Hair?!
Hair-Raising Bat Myths: What If It Gets in My Hair?!

Have you ever been worried about a bat getting in your hair? Well, we’re here to reassure you that is extremely unlikely to happen!

Preserving a bat hibernation site
Preserving a bat hibernation site

Middleton Quarry was being infilled with over 600,000 tonnes of spoil from a railway project. To protect bats hibernating in the quarry we balanced engineering and ecology to create a bespoke solution.

Contact our team of ecologists

If you have any questions about bats or other protected species, what to do about organising a survey, or need general information, we welcome your inquiry.

What Our Clients Say

  • Having worked with David Dodds Associates for a number of years, the service received is excellent and always provides expert ecological advice.

    • Lynne McNeely, Carneil Homes Ltd, Kinross

  • “Montgomery Forgan Associates has worked with David for many years on planning projects for mutual clients. David's work is first class, always delivered on time and is keenly priced. David has a wealth of knowledge on all ecological matters, with a highly valued specialism in bat surveys. Montgomery Forgan Associates would have no hesitation in recommending David to its clients.”

    • David Queripel, Montgomery Forgan Associates, Cupar

  • “We have found David Dodds very helpful in providing us with bat surveys and mitigation proposals.”

    • Niall Braidwood, Ogilvy Chalmers, Haddington

  • “Thank you for your help in doing the survey, and the speed of your response. Charlotte seemed very knowledgable. She was very helpful and happy to respond to our questions! Your report gave us all the answers we needed.”

    • Chris Gunstone, Tyninghame Village Hall Committee, East Lothian

  • “We have worked with David and his team in many projects and he is a real expert in the field. From enquiry, to survey, to receiving the report, they are always professional and provide a high quality service.”

    • Arancha Arnal, Blyth and Bluth Consulting Engineers, Edinburgh

  • “Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has used David Dodds Associates and their services for projects that required their extensive and specialist expertise. David has not only assisted in a prompt and professional manner he also provided a welcomed insight into the world of bat protection, articulating how best to approach situations to ensure SRUC deliver projects whilst the species, environment and landscape remain protected.”

    • Leeanne Price, S.R.U.C., Penicuik

  • “David has routinely provided timely, proactive and helpful advice to assist and enable building fabric projects to progress in a compliant manner and remains my first point of contact for any ecological requirements”.

    • Craig Mattocks, Cademuir Building Consultants, Peebles