Wildlife

Wild Bat Roost Conservation and Welfare

Bat roost loss through building renovation and demolition is a major welfare and conservation concern for UK bat species.

Key Facts

All UK bat species are protected and their roosts have legal protection year-round
Building renovation is a leading cause of roost loss
Licensed bat workers must assess buildings before renovation work
Maternity roosts contain lactating females and vulnerable pups
Loss of established roosts forces bats to find alternatives, often with lower survival rates

Welfare Considerations

Bats evicted from roosts during lactation may abandon pups or struggle to find adequate alternatives, reducing survival for the most vulnerable individuals. Roost surveys, sympathetic renovation, and bat box provision can prevent unnecessary welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Arrange bat surveys before any renovation of older buildings
Install bat boxes as compensation for any lost roost features
Advocate for enforcement of bat roost legal protections