British Bats and Their Life Cycles
Building works need to be carefully programmed not to clash with bats’ occupancy of their roosts. A bat specialist can advise when the bats aren’t in hibernation or in maternity roosts.
Bat species found in the UK
There are 18 species of bat living in the UK. All are found in the south of England but the number of species reduces as you move further north. Even the largest species, Serotine and Noctule are no more than 100 millimetres long. The Common Pipistrelle is the smallest and is only half this size, weighing just four grams.
The Bat Conservation Trust offers more information on UK bats.
Bat life cycles and building works
Building works need to be carefully programmed not to clash with bats’ occupancy of their roosts. You must get advice from a bat specialist about the timings of works but usually the best time is spring and autumn when the bats aren’t in hibernation or in maternity roosts.
You also need to plan in case you need a bat emergence, re-entry or activity survey when bats are active which can only be undertaken between May and August.
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Next: What to do if you find a bat
In general, it is an offence for anyone other than a licensed bat specialist to handle bats. If possible, leave the bat to find its own way out.
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Back to: Why bats use buildings
Bats use roofs and other building features as roosts; and the grounds and nearby trees may be important too.
