Bats and the law
All British bats and their roosts are protected by law, but what does that actually mean? In summary, you will be committing a criminal offence if you:
- Deliberately capture, injure or kill a bat
- Intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat in its roost or deliberately disturb a group of bats
- Damage or destroy a bat roosting place (even if bats are not occupying the roost at the time)
- Possess or advertise/sell/exchange a bat (dead or alive) or any part of a bat
- Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a bat roost
Furthermore there are very few defences in law if you do any of these things. If you are involved in an industry where you might come across bats during the normal course of your work, you are expected to understand the law relating to bats. Ignorance is no excuse and you would need to demonstrate, if challenged, that you have taken all reasonable steps not to break the law.
The Police wildlife crime unit are increasingly willing to investigate such incidents. If prosecuted and convicted, penalties include fines of up to £5,000, six months' imprisonment and the forfeiture of items used to commit the offence, e.g. vehicles, plant, machinery.
Some of the industries that could be affected include:
- Woodland managers, foresters and tree surgeons
- Pest controllers
- Architects
- Builders, roofers, joiners
- Demolition companies
- Surveyors
- Property developers
- Double glazing companies
Gail has developed and delivered training courses for land managers, woodland managers, foresters and ecological consultants. She can provide a bespoke training course for your company that would explain your responsibilities and demonstrate the reasonable steps you would need to take. The course can be run in house, if you have the necessary office space. Practical sessions can be included, for example to look at the types of places bats might be found. This is a cost effective way of continuing the professional development of you and your staff, whatever industry you are involved in.
Please contact Gail for further information.