Wildlife

UK Greater Horseshoe Bat and Roost Conservation

Conservation of the rare greater horseshoe bat in UK caves, mines, and buildings.

Key Facts

Greater horseshoe bats are confined to Wales and southwest England
They require large cave or tunnel roosts for hibernation and maternity colonies
UK population declined by 90% during the 20th century but is now recovering
Beetles, moths, and large flies are primary prey items
Bat and Building project supports renovation of bat roost buildings with appropriate mitigation

Welfare Considerations

Greater horseshoe bats face welfare risks from roost disturbance and collapse of large insect prey populations, requiring legal protection and sensitive land management.

What You Can Do

Support Vincent Wildlife Trust and Bat Conservation Trust conservation work
Never enter cave or tunnel sites used by hibernating bats
Advocate for protection of building roost sites during renovation projects