Bats and the Law

Bats are protected by the law. Here is a summary of the legislation:

Bats are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA) and are included in Schedule 5.

In England and Wales this Act was ammended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW). This made species offences arrestable and increased the time limit for prosecutions. Scotland had a similar ammendment.

Bats are included in the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 which define 'European protected species of animals'.


Bats and the Law	back to rescue

Bats are protected by the law. Here is a summary of the legislation: Bats are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA) and are included in Schedule 5. In England and Wales this Act was ammended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW). This made species offences arrestable and increased the time limit for prosecutions. Scotland had a similar ammendment. Bats are included in the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 which define 'European protected species of animals'.

The combined legislation means that it is illegal to: intentionally or deliberately kill, injure or capture bats deliberately disturb bats (in or out of a roost) recklessly disturb roosting bats or obstruct access to their roosts damage or destroy bat roosts possess or transport a bat, or bat part, unless aquired legally sell (or offer for sale) or exchange bats or bat parts

Remember that a bat roost is protected, whether bats are there or not. This is because bats have a few roost sites that they return to year after year.

There are special cases to consider: 1. Injured bats can be rescued if it is the intention to rehabilitate and release them (this is best done by an expert) 2. Roosts in dwelling-houses (where people live) can only be legally disturbed under the strict guidance of English Nature

Remember only specially licenced bat workers are allowed to enter a known roost site or hibernaculum (place where bats hibernate)