Legislation for Bat Species Protection

All bat species listed on Schedule 2 of Habitats Regulations 2010 (as amended). Regulation 41 prohibits: 

• Deliberate killing, injuring or capturing of Schedule 2 species (e.g. All bats).

• Deliberate disturbance of bat species in such a way as:

a) To impair their ability to survive, breed, or reproduce, or to rear or nurture young; 

b) To impair their ability to hibernate or migrate;

c) To affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species.

• Damage or destruction of a breeding site or resting place.

Bats are also listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and are afforded protection against the following:

• Intentional or reckless disturbance (at any level).

• Intentional or reckless obstruction of access to any place of shelter or protection.

Development activities such as building renovations or demolition and tree pruning or felling could result in the damage, modification or destruction of bat roosts or disturbance to bats.