Wildlife

Bat Urban Garden Welfare

Urban gardens and green spaces can provide critical foraging and roosting habitat for declining bat populations when managed with wildlife in mind.

Key Facts

Over 1,400 bat species exist worldwide, with many facing steep population declines
Bats consume thousands of insects per night, providing natural pest control worth billions annually
Light pollution is a leading threat to urban bat populations, disrupting foraging and roosting
A single pipistrelle bat can consume 3,000 insects in one night
Many bat species are now legally protected in the UK, EU and other jurisdictions

Welfare Considerations

Urban bats face multiple stressors including artificial light at night, loss of roosting sites, pesticide reduction in insect prey, and direct disturbance. Gardens with dense shrubs, water features, and insect-friendly plants can meaningfully supplement bat foraging habitat. Avoiding pesticide use and keeping some areas unlit at night are among the most impactful garden management choices for bat welfare.

What You Can Do

Install bat boxes on buildings or trees at least 4 metres high
Plant night-scented flowers such as honeysuckle and jasmine to attract moths for bat prey
Reduce or eliminate garden pesticide use to protect insect prey populations
Turn off or redirect outdoor lighting after midnight where possible
Create a small pond to attract insects and provide drinking water for bats