Wildlife Welfare

Wild Bat Colony Welfare and Disturbance

Bat colonies in buildings and roosts need protection from disturbance during roosting and hibernation periods.

Key Facts

All UK bat species and their roosts are legally protected under UK and EU law
Disturbance during summer maternity roosts can cause pup mortality
Hibernating bats woken during winter use critical fat reserves and may not survive
Exclusion from roosts must be done by licensed professionals outside sensitive periods
White-nose syndrome caused by a fungus is a major bat welfare concern in North America

Welfare Considerations

Human disturbance to bat roosts causes significant welfare harm including pup abandonment and hibernation disruption. Legal protections exist but public awareness of the timing and severity of disturbance harm is important for compliance.

What You Can Do

Check buildings for bat roosts before undertaking renovation work
Contact Natural England or a licensed bat consultant before any work near bat roosts
Report bat roosts to local wildlife trusts to support monitoring and protection