Legislation

All bats, and their roosts, found in Great Britain are protected by European and UK law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) Schedule 5, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended).  

It is an offence to:

• Intentionally or deliberately kill, injure or take bats
• Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place used by a bat for shelter or protection
• Intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose
• Deliberately disturb bats (whether in a roost or not)
• Keep, transport, sell or exchange, or offer for sale or exchange a live or dead bat or any part of a bat  

As a result of this legislation it is illegal to damage, destroy or obstruct access to any bat roost, whether occupied or not, or to harm or disturb a bat. Prosecution could result in six months imprisonment, a fine not exceeding £5,000 or both, per animal or per offence and the confiscation of vehicles and equipment used in the commission of the offence.  

In order to avoid prosecution it is essential to work with care and avoid disturbing or harming bats or disturbing or damaging their roosts and to this end it is wise to commission surveys and expert advice to minimise the risks of reckless harm to bats and their roosts.