Bat Law

In Britain, bats and their roosts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and in England and Wales the CRoW Act 2000.
There are three main areas of protection which means it is illegal to:

• Intentionally kill or injure any bat

• Disturb a bat at roost

• Damage a roost site or obstruct the entrance
  

However, it is not illegal to remove bats from the living area of a house or to rescue injured or abandoned bats as they may be released when recovered.

If bats are unwelcome or should any work be planned anywhere suspected of housing bats, Natural England (01743 709611) must first be consulted and must be allowed time to examine the roost and advise before any action is taken.

For more information from the Bat Conservation Trust click here.

For more information from DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) click here.