Wildlife

Noctule Bat: Largest UK Bat Needs Ancient Trees

The noctule is Britains largest bat and depends on old trees with decay holes for roosting.

Key Facts

Noctule bats are the largest UK bat with wingspans up to 45 centimetres
They roost in old trees particularly with woodpecker holes and natural decay cavities
Noctules fly high and fast often above treetops hunting large moths and beetles
UK noctule populations are monitored by the National Bat Monitoring Programme
They emerge early at dusk sometimes before sunset making them easier to observe than many bats

Welfare Considerations

Noctule bats face welfare threats from loss of veteran and ancient trees with natural cavities. Development that removes old parkland and woodland trees eliminates roost sites. Roost disturbance during day is a welfare offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Wind turbine collisions kill significant numbers as noctules fly at blade height. Pesticide reduction of large moth prey reduces food availability.

What You Can Do

Protect veteran and ancient trees from felling wherever possible
Consult a licensed bat surveyor before any tree work that might disturb roosting bats
Support the Woodland Trust veteran tree network that maps and protects old trees
Advocate for bat-sensitive wind turbine positioning and shutdown protocols
Participate in National Bat Monitoring Programme surveys to track noctule populations