Some quick and interesting facts and useful information about bats in the UK
Below: Sleepy bat in a loft (photo taken under licence)
1. There are 18 species of bats in the UK. The most common species are the common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, and noctule. 2. Bats in the UK are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. 3. The UK’s smallest bat is the common pipistrelle, which weighs only 3-8 grams and has a wingspan of around 20cm. 4. The UK’s largest bat is the noctule, which can weigh up to 40 grams and has a wingspan of up to 45cm. 5. Bats in the UK are insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects such as moths, beetles, and flies. 6. Bats are nocturnal and use echolocation to navigate and find prey. 7. During the winter, bats hibernate to conserve energy. Some species of bats in the UK hibernate in caves, while others hibernate in trees, buildings, or underground. 8. Bats can live for up to 30 years, making them one of the longest-lived mammals for their size. 9. In the UK, bat populations have declined due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as the use of pesticides that affect their prey. 10. Bat conservation efforts in the UK include the creation of bat roosts in buildings, the planting of bat-friendly gardens, and the protection of bat habitats through conservation schemes.
Where do bats live?
Bats in the UK can be found living in a variety of habitats including woodlands, hedgerows, parks, gardens, and wetlands. Bats roost in a range of structures including buildings, trees even underground tunnels. Common pipistrelles and soprano pipistrelles, the UK's most common species, tend to roost in small crevices and gaps in buildings, such as under roof tiles, in eaves, or behind wall cladding. They may also roost in tree holes or bat boxes. Noctules, the UK's largest species, typically roost in tree holes and are rarely found roosting in buildings. Other bat species in the UK, such as the greater horseshoe bat, prefer to roost in more sheltered locations such as caves, mines, and tunnels.
Overall, the availability of suitable roosting sites is critical to the survival of bat populations in the UK, and efforts are being made to protect and create bat roosts in both natural and built environments.
Are bats dangerous to humans?
Bats in the UK are not dangerous to humans. In fact, they are very beneficial to the ecosystem because they are insectivores and eat large quantities of insects, including many pests that can damage crops and plants. While it is possible for bats to carry diseases like rabies, the risk of transmission to humans in the UK is extremely low. According to Public Health England, there has not been a confirmed case of rabies bat to human transmission in the UK since 2002. A rabies-like virus can occasionally be present in some UK bat species. It is important to note that it is illegal to handle bats without a licence in the UK, and if a bat is found to be injured or in distress, it should be handled by a licensed bat worker. It is important to treat bats with respect and not to disturb them, as they are a protected species in the UK. If a bat enters a building or becomes a nuisance, it is recommended to seek advice from the Bat Conservation Trust, rather than attempting to handle or remove the bat oneself.
Recent bat research
In recent years, research has focused on the impact of habitat loss and fragmentation on bat populations, as well as the importance of bat roosts and the effectiveness of conservation efforts. One study published in 2020 found that bat populations in the UK have declined significantly over the past two decades, with some species experiencing declines of up to 90%. The study attributed these declines to habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, and the use of pesticides that affect bat prey. Another study published in 2021 found that bat boxes and other artificial roost structures can be effective in supporting bat populations, but that their success depends on factors such as location, design, and management. The study recommended that more attention be paid to the design and placement of artificial roost structures to improve their effectiveness. Overall, research on bats in the UK continues to highlight the importance of protecting and restoring bat habitats, and of ensuring that conservation efforts are based on sound scientific evidence.
What can I do to help with bat conservation?
There are many ways that you can help bats in the UK, whether you live in an urban or rural area. Here are some ideas:
Provide bat boxes: You can provide roosting opportunities for bats by putting up bat boxes in your garden or on your property. Bat boxes can be purchased or made yourself, and they provide safe and secure places for bats to roost during the day.
Plant native vegetation: Planting native plants in your garden or patio area can provide a valuable food source for bats by increasing invertebrate prey, as well as other wildlife. Native vegetation also helps to maintain biodiversity and local ecosystems.
Reduce outdoor lighting: Bats are sensitive to light, and artificial lighting can disrupt their natural behaviour and feeding patterns. You can help bats by reducing outdoor lighting or using motion-activated lights to minimize the impact on their habitats.
Report bat sightings: Reporting bat sightings to local bat groups can help researchers better understand bat populations and distribution. You can also report any sick or injured bats to the Bat Conservation Trust.
Support bat conservation organizations: There are many organizations working to protect bats and their habitats in the UK, and you can support their work by making donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness about bat conservation issues.
Be mindful of bat habitats: Bats require specific habitats for roosting, feeding, and breeding. You can help protect bat habitats by being mindful of where you walk or recreate, avoiding disturbing bat roosts, and supporting efforts to protect and restore natural habitats.
Cats can impact bat populations in the UK, but there are steps that can be taken to mitigate these impacts and ensure the continued survival of bats. These include keeping cats indoors or in enclosed gardens around dusk and dawn.
By taking these steps, you can make a positive impact on bat populations in the UK and help ensure their continued survival.
If you require a bat survey to support a planning application, please follow this link to our contact page