Wild Bat Roost Protection During Building Works

Building renovation and demolition frequently destroys bat roosts illegally; pre-work surveys and appropriate mitigation protect welfare and fulfil legal obligations.

Key Facts

All UK bat species and their roosts are protected under the Conservation of Habitats Regulations 2017
Roosts are protected even when bats are not present - disturbance or destruction is always an offence
Planning applications affecting buildings with potential bat roosts require ecological assessment
Natural England can issue licences for work affecting bat roosts where mitigation is provided
Roost exclusion must only be done at the right time of year to avoid trapping bats
Replacement roost features including bat bricks and boxes must be provided in mitigation
Bats found during building work must not be handled by unqualified persons
The Bat Conservation Trust provides guidance and advice lines for contractors and homeowners

Welfare Considerations

Building works that destroy active bat roosts kill bats directly through collapse and crush injuries, and destroy maternity roosts causing pup mortality. Roost exclusion at the wrong time of year traps animals. The welfare and conservation harm is severe and the legal consequences significant. Pre-work ecological survey is both a legal requirement for many projects and the most effective welfare protection. When bats are found during works, stopping immediately and contacting the BCT prevents further harm and enables appropriate expert response.

What You Can Do

Commission an ecological survey including bat survey before any building renovation or demolition
Contact the Bat Conservation Trust helpline on 0345 1300 228 if bats are encountered during works
Ensure contractors are briefed on bat legal protection before starting any building project
Install bat bricks or boxes when building new or renovating to provide replacement roost habitat
Report suspected illegal roost destruction to Natural England and the police