Wildlife

Bat Roosting Requirements and Building Surveys

Bat roosts in buildings are legally protected and their conservation depends on appropriate survey and mitigation when buildings are modified or developed.

Key Facts

All UK bat species are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Development affecting bat roosts requires a Natural England licence to proceed
Bat surveys must be conducted by licenced ecologists before planning permission is granted
Bat roost loss in buildings is one of the primary threats to bat population recovery
Mitigation roosts and bat access features can be incorporated into building works at low cost

Welfare Considerations

Bats disturbed or displaced from roosts during the active season face welfare harm ranging from energy expenditure finding new roosts to direct mortality of dependent pups. Well-executed survey and mitigation ensures that development proceeds without causing welfare harm. Poor mitigation or illegal working around planning requirements causes roost loss and the death of roosting bats and their young.

What You Can Do

Commission a bat survey before undertaking any work on older buildings
Ensure survey is conducted at the appropriate season by a licensed bat ecologist
Support bat-friendly building design including roost features in new construction
Report suspected illegal bat roost destruction to Natural England or the Bat Conservation Trust
Join your local bat group to monitor and protect bat roosts in your area