Bat Welfare and White-Nose Syndrome

Bats face multiple welfare threats including loss of roosting sites, insect decline and White-Nose Syndrome, a devastating fungal disease spreading from North America.

Key Facts

The UK has 18 species of bat, all legally protected under UK and European law
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans has killed millions of bats in North America
WNS has been detected in Europe but bats there appear to have more resistance than North American species
Bats are killed by collisions with wind turbines, particularly during migration
All UK bat roosts are legally protected - disturbing roosts or blocking roost access is a criminal offence
Insect decline from pesticide use and habitat loss reduces food availability for insectivorous bats

Welfare Considerations

UK bat welfare is protected by strong legal frameworks but threats from habitat loss, roost disturbance and insect decline persist. WNS in North America has demonstrated the devastating potential of fungal disease in bats - populations of some species have declined by over 90%. UK bat species show greater resistance but monitoring and research are ongoing. Practical welfare improvements include maintaining bat roosts during building work, creating bat-friendly gardens with insect habitat, and reducing unnecessary artificial light that disrupts bat foraging. Any bat found grounded needs immediate specialist care from a bat carer.

What You Can Do

Contact the Bat Conservation Trust for advice before any renovation work affecting bat roosts
Create insect habitat in gardens: wildflowers, compost heaps, log piles and native planting
Reduce artificial lighting at night near known bat roosts and foraging routes
Contact the BCT national bat helpline if you find a grounded bat
Donate to the Bat Conservation Trust for roost monitoring and public education