Wildlife

UK Barbastelle Bat Conservation and Ancient Woodland

Conservation of the rare barbastelle bat in UK ancient woodland and its welfare needs.

Key Facts

Barbastelle bats are among the rarest UK bats, associated with ancient woodland
They roost under loose bark of large trees, requiring structural diversity
Ancient woodland provides irreplaceable roosting and foraging habitat
UK distribution is concentrated in England and Wales with few known populations
Barbastelles have low echolocation intensity and may be difficult to detect

Welfare Considerations

Barbastelle bats face welfare risks from ancient woodland clearance and loss of large trees, with woodland conservation directly protecting essential roost and foraging habitat.

What You Can Do

Support the Woodland Trust ancient woodland conservation campaigns
Advocate for ancient woodland protection in planning applications
Report barbastelle bat sightings to the Bat Conservation Trust