As ‘European Protected Species’, further protection is afforded to all UK bat species under the Regulation 39(1) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations 1994, the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2004 in Scotland, and the Countryside Rights of Way Act (CRoW) in England.

It is, therefore, illegal to:

• Intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or capture/take a bat;
• Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct a bat’s place of shelter or protection (a roost);
• Intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat in its roost; and
• Knowingly cause or permit any of the above offences to take place.

Stuart Spray Wildlife Consultancy specialises in providing bat surveys for building and development projects.