How long does a bat licence last?

Typically, bat surveys are valid for a period of one year. This is because bats are mobile animals that can move roost sites both within and between years.

Do you need a licence to handle bats?

Some bat work can be carried out without holding a licence of any kind. Both volunteers and professionals can plan surveys and carry out bat detector activity surveys and emergence counts without requiring a licence. A licence is only needed if there is a possibility of disturbing bats (e.g. by entering a bat roost).

Can you keep bats as pets UK?

In the UK it is legal to handle a bat, or any other protected animal, without a licence for humane reasons only – this includes rescuing them from cats, and taking them to a vet or person who is experienced in dealing with injured bats. It is illegal to keep a healthy bat in captivity without a licence.

Are all bats protected in UK?

All bat species, their breeding sites and resting places are fully protected by law – they’re European protected species. You may be able to get a licence from Natural England if you cannot avoid disturbing them or damaging their habitats, or if you want to survey or conserve them.

How long does it take to get a bat mitigation licence?

It can take 30 working days for NRW/NE to process the licence and issue it to you (the developer) so we recommend commissioning an ecologist to complete the licence application as soon as possible after planning permission is granted to minimise unnecessary delays to projects.

Are bats a protected species worldwide?

How far does the law secure them? Bats are viewed as of worldwide significance and are protected by U.K. law. This means that it is an offence to: Purposefully or intentionally execute, harm or catch bats.

How do I get rid of bats legally UK?

Bats are not a pest and are helpful, not harmful, in the UK. If you are sure you don’t want them in your home, however, the easiest way to get rid of them is to remove the entry points to your home. Allow them to fly out, but not return. Consider using a home remedy as a bat deterrent.

What is a bat license?

Licences to permit illegal activities relating to bats and their roost sites can be issued for specific purposes and by specific licensing authorities in each country. These are sometimes called ‘derogation licences’ or ‘European Protected Species’ licences, and are issued under the Habitats Regulations.

How long does a low impact bat licence last?

One last point about the licence itself – it’s designed for short term works, usually up to about six months. If your scheme is likely to last longer, the chances of getting a low impact bat mitigation licence are slim to none.

Can you demolish a house with bats?

Bats are considered a ‘reasonable likelihood’ and a bat survey will be require for the conversion, modification, demolition or removal of buildings if they are: Agricultural buildings (e.g. farmhouses, barns and outbuildings) of traditional brick or stone construction and/or with exposed wooden beams.

Can bats be relocated?

It might seem like an option would be to offer alternative accommodation to your lodgers, but bats are very faithful to their roosts and usually return year-on-year. As a result, they are not likely to move into bat boxes nearby as an alternative to their chosen roost.

Can I keep a dead bat UK?

Can I keep a dead bat? Generally speaking, no you should not keep a dead bat. All bats in the UK are protected by law, which means you will need a special license from the Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation if you are to keep a dead bat lawfully.

Do I need a European Protected species licence to survey bats?

If a European Protected Species licence is required we can complete and submit your licence application. Upon approval of the licence we can provide continuing assistance to help you ensure that the terms of the licence are adhered to. For more information about bat surveys or any of our other ecological services call us on 029 2065 0331.

Do I need a licence to see bats?

Are bats protected by law?

All bat species, their breeding sites and resting places are fully protected by law – they’re European protected species.

How many endangered bats are there?

These are the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1956. Because of these two acts, a total of six bat species comprise the full list of federally protected bats. It’s important to distinguish the difference between an animal being considered threatened, federally protected and being classified as endangered.