Habitat management for batsA guide for land managers, land owners and their advisors

Habitat management for bats

Cover cartoon by Neil Bennett Other cartoons by Neil Bennett and illustrations by Barry Larking© JNCC 2001

Habitat management for batsA guide for land managers, land owners and their advisors

Abigail C Entwistle, Stephen Harris, Anthony M Hutson, Paul A Racey,Allyson Walsh, Stephen D Gibson, Ian Hepburn and Jacklyn Johnston

Illustrations by Barry Larking, cartoons by Neil Bennett

Joint Nature Conservation CommitteeMonkstone HouseCity RoadPeterboroughPE1 1JYUK

ISBN 1 86107 528 6

© JNCC 2001

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ContentsAcknowledgements 6

1 Introduction 7Key threats to foraging bats 7Why do bats need our help? 7Bat biology 9

2 Managing habitats for bats 11Key habitats for bats 11

Freshwater 15Woodland 17Grassland 19Linear 20Other habitats 21

Additional features valuable to foraging bats 23Management decision tree 24

3 Habitat management for individual bat species 25Greater horseshoe bat 26Lesser horseshoe bat 27Daubenton’s bat 28Brandt’s bat 29Whiskered bat 30Natterer’s bat 31Bechstein’s bat 32Pipistrelle 33Nathusius’ pipistrelle 34Serotine 35Noctule 36Leisler’s bat 37Barbastelle 38Brown long-eared bat 39Grey long-eared bat 40

4 References 41

5 Further reading 42

Annexes I Legislation protecting bats 43II Financial support for habitat management 45III Key contacts 46

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JNCC would like to thank all those who providedinformation about the habitat use of individualspecies including Gareth Jones, Laurent Duvergé(of the Vincent Wildlife Trust), Roger Ransome,Kate MacAney (for information on Leisler’s bats),Frank Greenaway, Peter Smith, Colin Catto and

Phil Richardson. Tony Mitchell-Jones and PeterSpencer of English Nature and Jessa Battersby ofJNCC provided invaluable comments on the manuscript. JNCC would also like to thank PhilRichardson and the Bat Conservation Trust for theindividual species distribution maps. British Islesmap outline provided courtesy of USGS.

Acknowledgements

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1 IntroductionBats are intriguing animals – the world’s only trueflying mammals and one of the most diverse mam-mal groups on Earth – second only to the rodentsin number of species, they occur on every conti-nent except Antarctica. There are more nativespecies of bat in the UK – 16 breeding1 and severalvagrant visitors – than any other group of mammals.

Throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland– as elsewhere in western Europe – bat popula-tions have declined dramatically in recent years.Conservation of bats is complex and needs to takeaccount of several factors, including the protec-tion of summer roost sites, the protection of win-ter hibernation sites, and the protection andappropriate management of habitats where batsfeed. The bat workers’ manual (see page 41) dealswith roost site protection.

The aim of this manual is to provide land owners, land managers and their advisors withboth general and specific guidance on how tomanage areas to benefit foraging bats.

Research is increasing our understanding of batbiology and behaviour. Recently, new informationhas been uncovered about where bats feed and howto best maintain or enhance their favoured habitats.This book is divided into three main parts after thisgeneral introduction: the first (Managing habitats

for bats) deals with general habitat managementadvice to assist foraging bats; the second part(Habitat management for bat species) provides spe-cific habitat management advice for each of the 16breeding bat species found in the UK. The final sec-tion and the annexes provide details of the law pro-tecting bats in the UK, how and where to find moreinformation and some sources of financial assis-tance for habitat management that can help bats.

Why do bats need our help?During the 20th century, bat numbers have plum-meted in parallel with dramatic changes in thecountryside. Several species of bats are now seri-ously threatened, and in the last decade onespecies – the greater mouse-eared bat – becameextinct as a UK breeding species. Even the morecommon bats have suffered dramatic declines.Pipistrelle numbers, for example, are estimated tohave dropped by about 70% during the 15-yearperiod 1978-1993.

In the UK, bats eat only insects and changes inagricultural practices appear to be an importantfactor in declining bat numbers. The change fromhay making to silage, for instance, has resulted infewer insects surviving to reach their adult (flying)stage, and hence less food available for foragingbats. Hedgerows and ponds, both widely used bybats, have been lost from the countryside at analarming rate – even in recent years. For example23% of hedgerows and 75% of ponds were lost during the period 1984 to 1990. Woodlandhabitats, including old trees, have declined also.While the overall extent of suitable habitat hasbeen greatly reduced, habitats which remain are

Key threats to foraging bats

Loss of habitat, including isolationthrough fragmentation.

Decline in insect availability throughthe use of insecticides.

Pesticide build-up through the food-chain.

1 There are 16 recognised species of bats breeding in the UK. Two distinct forms of the pipistrelle bat are characterised by the frequencies of their echolocation emissions and DNA. They are now regardedas two separate species, the common pipistrelle, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, with an echolocation frequency of 45kHz, and the soprano pipistrelle, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, with an echolocation frequency of 55 kHz.

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Table 1 The distribution and status of bat species in the UK.

Guide to status symbols:

Species name Distribution Status

Greater Horseshoe Restricted

Lesser Horseshoe Restricted

Daubenton’s Widespread

Brandt’s Widespread

Whiskered Widespread

Natterer’s1

Widespread

Bechstein’s Restricted

Pipistrelle Widespread

Nathusius’s pipistrelle Restricted

Serotine Restricted

Noctule Widespread

Leisler’s2

Widespread

Barbastelle Widespread

Brown long-eared Widespread

Grey long-eared Restricted1

Natterer’s is less widespread and less frequent in Northern Ireland than in Great Britain2

Leisler’s is widespread and common in Northern Ireland

Common Frequent Scarce Rare

Bat biology

Bats are intelligent, social mammals that can livefor up to 30 years. All bats in the UK are relative-ly small – ranging from our smallest, the pip-istrelle, which weighs around 4-5 g (0.18 oz) andhas a wingspan of 20 cm (8 in), to the 40 g (1.4 oz)noctule with a 40 cm (16 in) wingspan. Bats sleepin the day and feed during the night, locating theirprey by echolocation.

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Bats can locate tiny prey in complete darkness using echolocation.

becoming more fragmented, and insect availa-bility is falling. Favoured habitats which offer theappropriate conditions where bats can find andhunt their insect prey are essential for maintainingour bat populations. Habitat creation and enhancedhabitat management can provide the right condi-tions to help the recovery of bat populations.

All bats are now protected by law (see AnnexI). It is illegal intentionally to kill bats, to disturbthem, or to damage their roost sites. SeveralEuropean wildlife treaties give additional protec-tion to important bat feeding areas. In addition,specific action plans have been prepared for somebats by the UK Biodiversity Group. These ‘SpeciesAction Plans’ set out how the Government seeks,through partnerships between statutory agenciesand voluntary organisations, to reverse the declinesand help the recovery of bat populations (see page41, Biodiversity: The UK steering group report).

Declining numbers is an obvious reason for con-serving those bats that remain. But there are othercompelling reasons to be concerned about bat con-servation. The well being of bat populations mirrorsthe health of the environment generally. It is ourresponsibility and in our self-interest to look afterthe environment now and for future generations,and the conservation of habitats for bats will alsobenefit a wide spectrum of other wildlife.

Bats are also of direct benefit to land managers.During summer they eat vast numbers of insects eachnight, many of which are pests that damage growingcrops. Pipistrelles, for instance, are estimated to eachconsume up to 3,000 midges or other small flies anight and bats generally feed on the adults of variouspest moths including cutworms, chafers, wirewormsand flies such as fever fly and crane fly.

Pipistrelles can catch up to 3,000 insects a night.

Echolocation

Bats can navigate and detect tiny insect prey in complete darkness by using a sophisticatedecholocation system. They produce high fre-quency calls – outside the range of human hear-ing. They listen for returning echoes to producea ‘sound picture’ of their surroundings. In thisway they can navigate through their environ-ment and locate their prey. Each species emits aunique sound that will work best in differenttypes of environments and in locating types ofinsect. These differences between species meanthat bats will forage differently and will use dis-tinct types of habitat. Bat sound detectors can beused to identify some individual species orgroups of species by their echolocation call.

Summer roostsDuring the summer, bats group together to formcolonies in roost sites. In most species, the sum-mer roosts are mainly females gathered into‘maternity colonies’ to have their young – batsusually have one young a year. They spend theday in their roosts, which can be found in a variety of buildings, under bridges, in caves orhollow trees, depending on the species (see page41, Bats in houses). Bats are very loyal to particu-lar roost sites and tend to return to the same sites each year. Most summer colonies disperse inSeptember and October, once the young bats areold enough to fly, and many of the bats hibernateat an alternative site from November to April. Allbat roosts are protected by law, even when theyare unoccupied.

FeedingIn the UK, bats feed exclusively on insects.Different species have different feeding behav-iours. They may catch insects in flight, or pickthem off the surface of open water, or from theground or foliage. In summer, bats emerge fromtheir roosts at dusk to feed. The distances trav-elled to feeding sites vary considerably, both with-in and between species. While some species feedclose to their roost site, like brown long-earedbats, which normally forage within 1 km of their

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Bats hibernate in cool places such as caves and mines.

roost, others fly long distances – noctules havebeen recorded flying more than 26 km to feedingareas. Bats use a number of foraging sites everynight, moving between them to locate areas withhigh insect densities.

Bats frequently return to the same foraging siteson a regular basis, sometimes visiting the samesite at the same time each night. However, a largenumber of feeding areas are needed throughoutthe year as feeding patterns change in response toinsect availability, which, in turn, alters both seasonally and with local weather conditions.Particular foraging sites may be very important toa large number of bats and used by several speciesat the same time.

Hibernation

Bats generally select undisturbed, cool placeswith an even temperature in which to hibernate,such as caves, mines, tunnels or unoccupiedbuildings. They are seldom seen in the winter,although they may occasionally wake up to drinkand feed on available insects. Some specieshibernate near their summer roost or foraginggrounds, while others migrate some distance tofind a suitable hibernation site (see chapter 4,Bats underground – A conservation code).

Several habitats are particularly important for for-aging bats: freshwater, woodland, grassland and lin-ear habitats (see box below, Habitats of importanceto particular bat species). This holds true through-out a range of landscape types and across theregions of the UK. There are a few key characteris-tics that make good bat foraging habitats:

• Suitable habitat structureThis varies for different bat species and needsto match the particular flight capabilities andecholocation calls they use;

• High densities of insectsDifferent groups of insects are important todifferent types of bats; and

• Habitat corridorThese provide both foraging areas and routesthat allow bats to move freely between theirroosts and feeding areas.

Other habitats are less favoured but may still pro-vide suitable foraging sites: arable farmland habi-tats, parkland, moorland, coastal and urban or otherbuilt-up areas all attract some foraging bats. In addi-tion, some features or artefacts found in associationwith feeding grounds, such as buildings, bridges,bat boxes, single trees, and white street lighting, canbe of considerable importance.

Bat activity in an area can be positively deter-mined by use of a bat detector. However, it is verydifficult to establish that an area is not importantto bats; sites currently unused may become impor-tant feeding grounds at other times. Managementdecisions should be based on the potential of thearea to support bats, the availability of other suit-able bat habitats nearby, and the location of localroosts. The illustration on the following page givesa schematic indication of the kinds of actions thatland managers can take to help provide good feed-ing areas for bats.

Key habitats for batsThis part of the manual provides managementguidelines for the principal habitats used by forag-ing bats – freshwater, woodland, grassland andlinear features. Suggestions for enhancement andcreation of new habitat are also included. Theguidelines are appropriate for a range of batspecies and will also benefit other wildlife in thevicinity. However, changing the management ofsites should be undertaken with care becausethere may be other conservation interests or prior-ities that are important.

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2 Managing habitats for bats

Table 2 Habitats of importance to particular bat species.

Pipistrelles 45 & 55 kHz ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Serotine ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦Greater Horseshoe ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Daubenton’s ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Natterer’s ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Bechstein’s ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Leisler’s ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦Noctule ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Brown long-eared ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Whiskered ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Grey long-eared ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Barbastelle ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦Nathusius’ pipistrelle ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Brandt’s ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦Lesser horseshoe ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

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Habitat features important for bats. Roosts, foraging sites and flyways in the landscape.

❶ Continuous treeline and hedgerow providesconnectivity of the landscape for bats commutingbetween foraging sites. Even gaps as small as10m may prevent bats using hedgerows andtreelines.

❷ Rivers and streams provide excellent feedinggrounds for bats. Bats need open water to drinkand bankside vegetation provides habitats forinsect prey and valuable cover whilst foraging.

❸ Woodland is more sheltered and often warmerthan the surrounding open areas. It providesmany different types of insects and a high degreeof cover for bats.

❹ Unimproved pasture, grazed by cattle providesinsects associated with dung, which areimportant food for some species.

❺ More intensively managed grassland may stillhave large numbers of insects but fewer species,which could lead to food shortages at certaintimes of year.

❸

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❽

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❻ Orchards and parkland provide additionalfeeding opportunities for species that feed insemi-open habitats such as woodland edges and glades.

❼ Arable land can be improved for bats by expandingfield margins, maintaining treelines,hedgerowsand ditches and reducing pesticide use.

❽ Mature single trees can provide importantforaging and roosting opportunities if they formpart of a connecting framework of hedgerows.

❾ Open ponds and pools provide good foragingareas. Insects will even breed in small andtemporary areas of water.Possible roost sitesPossible foraging sitesFlyway

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Bat feeding habitats: Some basic management principlesSeveral basic principles are relevant to the man-agement of habitats for bats:

Avoid loss of suitable habitatThis has a direct effect on the number of bats thatcan survive in an area, and is an important factorin the recent decline of some bat populations.

Avoid fragmentation and isolation of habitatsDividing habitats into smaller areas, or isolatingthem through loss of connecting features such ashedgerows, may prevent them from being usedby some bats. For example, even gaps as small as10 m may prevent bats – especially the smallerspecies – from using hedgerows as a route to flybetween roosts and foraging areas.

Landscape before and after tree removal, resulting in a reduction of suitable habitat.

Before

After

Minimise the use of pesticidesHerbicides and insecticides can both affect theabundance of insect prey available to bats.Reduce spray drift by expanding unsprayed fieldmargins, create buffer zones around hedgerows,ditches and water bodies, and spray only in stillconditions (see chapter 4, Code of Practice forthe safe use of pesticides on farms and holdings).

Prioritise protection of suitable habitat in the vicinity of bat roostsIf a roost is known about and the species using it can be determined, then appropriate manage-ment can be undertaken to benefit the bats (see chapter 3 for guidance). Conversely, it is alsoimportant to protect potential roost sites such asold trees, buildings and bridges, near suitable for-aging habitats.

Freshwater habitatsWater and wetlands can be excellent feedinggrounds for bats. Many insects have aquatic larvalstages and bats take advantage of the emerginginsects. Bats need open water to drink, and bank-side vegetation provides food and valuable coverfor foraging. Some species preferentially selectroost sites close to water.

Management guidelinesConservation measures should focus on conservinginsect populations and providing a varied habitatstructure in the vicinity of open water.

• Retain natural features of water bodies –Features in open water such as naturalmeanders, shingle beaches, spits, shallows,pools and riffles promote high insect diversity.At the water’s edge, aquatic plants and gentlyshelving banks are also important.

• Conserve open ponds and pools – Insects willeven breed in small and temporary areas ofwater. If several ponds or pools are present,they should be managed as a whole system;promote variation in depth and type ofbankside vegetation between ponds.

• Retain natural variation in vegetation –Variation along the banks of rivers and lakesfavours high insect and structural diversity.Grassy margins, scrub and overhangingvegetation provide excellent conditions forinsects and foraging bats. Habitat diversity canoften be achieved simply through allowinggrowth of taller vegetation. Where bankmanagement is necessary, restrict it to a smallarea and work on one bank at a time. Carry outmanagement sensitively, aiming to enhancevariation in vegetation. Use fencing to preventlivestock from causing excessive damage towater margins.

Landscape before and after hedgerow removal, resulting in loss of connectivity between habitats.

Before

After

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Managing river-bank habitats key❶ Retain natural features such as shallows and

riffles to promote high insect diversity.❷ Gently shelving banks and aquatic plants are

important at the water’s edge.❸ Restrict bank management to small areas and

work on one bank at a time.

• Avoid overstocking with fish – Fish canseverely deplete insect numbers and their wasteproducts can lead to eutrophication2 of thewater. Ensure that any discarded fishing linesand hooks are removed as they pose a threat towildlife.

• Avoid pollution and nutrient enrichment –Chemical waste, heated water, oil, heavy meals, pesticides, slurry and sewage cause poll-ution and severely reduce insect populations.Pesticides should be strictly avoided nearwater. A buffer zone will reduce the risk ofspray drift from agricultural areas. Agri-cultural run-off and inadequately treatedsewage effluent lead to eutrophication (seefootnote 2 below), which has a severe impacton insect diversity. Reedbeds can help to filterwater from farmland to reduce the risk ofeutrophication. On a positive note, a few bat species – especially Daubenton’s bat – maybe able to exploit the increased numbers of afew species of midges associated with slightlyeutrophic water. However, the majority cannot.

Managing river-bank habitats.

❹ Limit access to water margins by livestock through fencing.

❺ Retain bankside trees. If trees have to beremoved, gaps should be replanted.

❻ Pollarding extends the life of a tree, benefiting insect diversity and roosting opportunities for bats.

❶

❷

❸

❹

❺

❻

• Retain variation in water depth – Dredgingshould be kept to the minimum as it destroysvegetation and natural variations in depth.Where dredging is necessary, restrict it to themiddle of the channel and carry it out ondifferent portions of the water body in rotation.Avoid any management upstream, which affectsnatural fluctuations in water levels.

• Retain bankside trees – Don’t remove banksidetrees unless absolutely necessary for pond restoration. Overhanging branches and leavesprovide shelter and food for insects, cover forbats, and cast shade on open water furtherenhancing the range of conditions available forinsects. Where trees must be removed, fortemporary access or where they are dangerous,replant gaps with suitable species such aswillow or alder. Permission from theEnvironment Agency (or equivalent) may beneeded to fell or plant trees near waterways.Maintain traditional management practicessuch as pollarding on a long-rotation.Pollarding extends the life of the tree, benefiing insect diversity and roosting opportunitiesfor bats.

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2 Eutrophication is the process of nutrient enrichment of water that can cause excessive growth of plant materialand a reduction in the oxygen level in the water. This can result in a reduction in insect diversity because thelarvae of several insect species require high oxygen levels in the water they inhabit.

Habitat enhancement and creationA number of measures can be taken to improveman-made or overly managed water bodies for bats.

• Create natural features – Change the profile of ariver to provide shallows and riffles and rein-state bends, loops and oxbow lakes. Encouragethe growth of aquatic plants and design gentlysloping grassy margins. Banksides can be improved by providing a range of vegetationand erecting bat boxes (manmade structuresthat can be attached to trees and buildingsto provide artificial roost sites, see page 23) onbankside trees.

• Create ponds – Locate ponds near otherfavoured bat habitats such as woodland orhedgerows. Take care not to destroy or detractfrom currently important conservation areas.Large shallow ponds or a series of smaller oneswill be most effective. Design in as manynatural features as possible, including varieddepths, diverse aquatic and banksidevegetation, and overhanging trees.

• Fill in gaps in lines of bankside trees – Plantsuitable species such as willow or alder toprovide a continuous corridor for bats to movebetween foraging sites. Link to other hedgerowsand tree lines to provide a network of routes.

Species particularly attracted to freshwater habi-tats are whiskered, Leisler’s, Daubenton’s, pip-istrelle, Nathusius’s pipistrelle and noctule.

Woodland habitatsWoodland provides a wide diversity of insect foodand a high degree of cover for bats. Woodland isfavoured by bats that take prey directly from thesurface of leaves. It is also more sheltered andoften warmer than open environments, givingvaluable cover to foraging bats that avoid openareas.

Management guidelines

• Protect ancient, semi-natural woodland – Forexample, by continuing traditional manage- ment regimens or following a policy ofnon-intervention.

• Pollarding can help to maintain ancient treeswhich support many insects and provideroosting sites. Additional trees can be plantedto offer continuity as older trees die. Moredetail on managing old trees is given in Theveteran trees management handbook (seepage 41).

• Coppicing temporarily removes tree cover andtends to favour woodland edge species (such aspipistrelles) over woodland bats (such as lesserhorseshoes and brown long-eared bats). Coppicing should only be considered where ithas been the historic method of management,and long rotations are preferable for bats. Leavemature trees as potential roost-sites.

• In native Scots pine and birch forests, reducegrazing to encourage regeneration and a morediverse herb layer.

• Protect wet woodland (carr) – This habitatsupports a particularly high insect diversityand is very important foraging ground for manybat species. Avoid drainage, maintain waterquality and do not remove trees.

• Increase the value of other woodland – Activelymanage plantations to diversify woodlandstructure, age and species of trees. Considerplanting a mixture of native broad-leaved trees,such as oak and birch, in clearings and alongwoodland edges; this will support a highdiversity of insects and increase foragingopportunities.

• Avoid clear-felling – Sudden removal of treesmay destroy an important foraging area. Fellingregimens such as group-cutting on rotation and

Water and wetlands can be excellent feeding grounds for bats.

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remove branches is preferable to completelyfelling a dead tree. When undertaking surgery,examine the tree for evidence of bats and seekspecialist advice from your local StatutoryNature Conservation Organisation (SNCO) (seeKey Contacts). Further information can beobtained from the leaflet Bats and trees (seepage 41).

• Retain ponds and streams – Waterways withinwoodland are used as flight paths and alsoprovide important foraging grounds.

• Maintain woodland rides – To maximise insectdiversity, maintain rides that vary in widthalong their length and include grassy vergeswith a variety of shrubs and trees. In coniferousforest, plant broadleaved trees along rides to

Sympathetic woodland management.

Sympathetic woodland management key❶ Leave mature trees as potential roost sites.❷ Plant a mixture of native broadleaved trees along

woodland edges.❸ Maintain woodland rides that vary in width

along their length and include grassy verges.

❹ Maintain woodland clearings and glades.Clearings can be created at the junction of ridesby removing a few corner trees.

❺ Curve rides to provide shelter and more variation for insects.

selective logging are less disruptive. Leavegroups of trees standing, particularly wherebroadleaved trees have been planted or survivewithin conifer plantations. After felling,consider natural regeneration rather thanreplanting. This will favour structural varietywhich is more attractive to bats. Note that mosttree felling requires prior permission from theForestry Commission.

• Leave dead trees – Deadwood supports a largenumber of woodland insects. Leave trees andbranches where they fall or, if necessary, moveto a semi-shaded area nearby. Standing treesthat are dead or moribund should be left inplace as food for insects and as potential roostsites (holes, crevices and space under bark inmature and decaying trees). Tree surgery to

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❶

❷

❸

❹

❺

provide additional foraging grounds. Createbays or scalloped edges along rides, and curverides at the ends to provide shelter and morevariation for insects. Link rides to a series ofclearings or glades inside the wood and anetwork of hedgerows outside.

• Maintain woodland clearings and glades – Inlarger woods, clearings provide foraging areasfor bats that prefer to feed in open spaces.Leave them free from planting and maintaincurrent grazing regimens if applicable.Clearings can be created at the junction of ridesby removing a few corner trees. In large coniferplantations, the edges of clearings can beplanted with shrubs and broadleaved trees topromote insect diversity.

• Diversify woodland edges – Scalloped edgesand bays will provide sheltered areas withhigher insect concentrations. Provide a varietyof types of vegetation from trees to shrubs andrough grass. Overhanging branches and bushyshrubs should be left to provide cover.Woodland edges can be used both by bats thatfly in woodland and in the open.

Habitat enhancement and creation

• Create new woodland – Allow naturalregeneration of an enclosed area. This ‘nonintervention’ method should result in a diversewoodland. Woodlands can also be establishedby seeding or planting appropriate broadleavednative trees such as oak, willow or birch.Whatever method is used, carefully select thesite to ensure that other important habitats arenot destroyed. Position new woods to adjoinexisting blocks or as ‘stepping stones’ betweenneighbouring woodlands. If possible, connectwith hedgerows or tree lines.

• Establish a pond – Ponds can improve the valueof a woodland for bats. However ensure thatthey are sited carefully and enhance rather thandetract from the value of the habitat. Coniferplantations may be particularly suitable forestablishing new ponds.

• Erect bat boxes – Woodland rides, clearings andedges are particularly good places to increaseroosting opportunities.

Species particularly attracted to woodland habi-tats include lesser horseshoe, Bechstein’s, brown-long-eared and barbastelle. Greater horseshoe,Natterer’s, Brandt’s, noctule and grey long-earedalso make use of woodland.

Grassland habitatsGrasslands support a range of insects suitable forforaging bats.

Management guidelines

• Management of pasture – Permanent unim-proved pasture should be maintained bygrazing, preferably by cattle, because dung beetles and other insects associated with cattledung are important food for some species, par-ticularly greater horseshoe bats and serotines.Persistent cattle wormers may cause a reduc-tion in insect populations on permanent pas-tures by remaining active in the dung andkilling insects on which bats feed. However,different products differ in their persistenceand in the insect species they affect, so thepotential effects on bat species can be reducedor removed by selecting an appropriate prod-uct. Altering the timing of use can also mitigatethe undesirable effects on the insects. Given thepermutations possible, advice should be sought

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Some bat species feed on dung beetles and other insects associated with cattle dung.

on how best to worm cattle that graze pastureforaged over by bats. Minimise insecticide usegenerally to avoid disrupting insect life cycles.More detailed information is available in theleaflet Managing landscapes for the greaterhorseshoe bat (see page 41).

• Management of meadow – Unimproved mead-ows have a wide variety of plants and hencesupport many different insects. Varying thegrass height through selective cutting, andavoiding fertilisers and pesticides, will assistinsect diversity, though the management of sitesof high nature conservation value should not bealtered. More intensively managed andimproved meadows may still have large num-bers of insects, but fewer species, which canlead to food shortages at certain times of the year.

• Retain trees and hedgerows – Trees andhedgerows associated with pastures andmeadows provide additional important foragingsites. Plant new trees to fill gaps and provide avariation in age and structure.

Habitat enhancement and creation

• Develop natural grasslands through planting/seeding or the introduction of specificmanagement regimens.

• Vary the management regimen between fields toprovide diversity, where this is compatible withother conservation objectives.

• Develop specific cutting or grazing regimens forparticular fields/meadows.

• Maintain or reinstate natural flooding orwetting of grassland areas.

Species particularly attracted to grasslandsinclude greater horseshoe, serotine, pipistrelle,noctule, Natterer’s and Leisler’s.

Linear habitatsLinear habitats such as hedgerows, tree lines,overgrown banks, ditches and the edges of watercourses are important foraging habitats that pro-vide an abundance of insects. Linear features arealso important to bats as they move between dif-ferent foraging sites. Many species will not flyacross open areas and instead follow these fea-tures that provide shelter from wind for both thebats and their insect prey, as well as cover frompredators. Bats may travel significant distances tocircumnavigate open areas rather than cross themby the most direct route.

Management guidelines: Hedgerows

• Retain existing hedgerows – Hedgerowsprovide valuable shelter and links betweenfeeding areas. Insect diversity aroundhedgerows themselves can be enhancedthrough associated ditches, long grass verges,tall herbs, shrubs and standard trees.

• Manage hedgerows – Cutting should berestricted to the minimum needed to ensurevisibility or retain hedgerow structure.Hedgerows are best cut every 2-3 years, workingon only one part or side at any time. Saplingsshould be left to grow to maturity every 20 m.Cut hedgerows in late winter unless it issnowing or frozen.

• Fill gaps in hedgerows – Some bats may notcross gaps in hedgerows as small as 10 m. Gapsshould be replanted to ensure that the hedgecan be used as a flight route. Where existinghedgerows are very overgrown, laying orcoppicing should be considered; however, suchextensive management should only beundertaken on one hedgerow at a time to ensurethat alternative routes for bats are available.

20

Hedgerows with trees provide foraging sites and act as corridors, linking foraging habitats together.

• Establish new hedges – If possible, planthedgerows to link isolated feeding grounds, orto provide a short cut across open fields. Plantappropriate native species such as hawthorn,blackthorn, hazel and field maple betweenOctober and March. Saplings can be planted insingle rows 15-25 cm apart, or staggered doublerows 30 cm apart. Aftercare such as weedcontrol and fencing may be needed. Furtherdetail is available from An introduction towildlife conservation (see page 41).

• Avoid spray drift since it reduces insect foodavailable for bats. Leave a buffer zone betweenfields and hedgerows and, if necessary, turn offthe outermost sprayer of the boom.

Management guidelines: Tree lines

• Avoid removal of trees – Trees can support vastnumbers of insects and also provide a flightroute for bats. If a tree is lost, replant with a treeof the same species to maintain continuity. Oldtrees should be left unless felling is absolutelynecessary; if so, check for roost sites in holesand crevices prior to felling. If a roost is found,or if in any doubt, consult the local SNCO.

• Establish new tree lines – Avenues of trees canbe planted or allowed to establish naturally,along edges of roads, pathways and otherfeatures. A dense shrub layer below the treecanopy will increase shelter for insects andbats. Link to hedgerows and other habitats.

Management guidelines: Ditches and dykes

• Manage for insect diversity – Ditches supporthigher insect numbers if they have shallowedges, a varied depth and are part of a network

of ditches. Associated vegetation such as treelines, hedgerows, shrubs and grassy banks, alsomakes ditches more attractive to bats.Management of ditches should be carried out insmall areas; clear vegetation and silt from onepart at a time and restrict grazing by appropri-ate fencing.

• Avoid spray drift – Spraying of pesticidesshould be avoided near ditches; use a bufferzone or expanded field margins. Be particularlycareful to avoid pesticides where water drainsinto ponds and rivers.

Other habitats

Habitats other than the key habitats already dis-cussed can provide suitable foraging grounds forbats.

Arable farmlandThe amount of arable land has increased dramati-cally in recent years at the expense of a range ofother habitats. Arable land is generally poor forbats, but can be improved by expandingunsprayed field margins, by maintaininghedgerows, tree lines and ditches, and by min-imising pesticide use.

Reclamation of arable land to former habitatssuch as meadow and pasture will usually benefitbats. With the help of set-aside and farm wood-land schemes (see Annex II) important foraginghabitats can be provided.

Planting hedgerows and groups of trees at fieldcorners will also provide valuable habitats, partic-ularly if linked together to form a network ofwoodland cover.

21

Avoid removal of hedgerows and old trees with holes and crevices.

ParklandAmenity grassland and recreational areas can bevaluable to foraging bats. Insect diversity can beenhanced by varying grass height through selec-tive mowing or grazing.

Feeding opportunities are also increased by thepresence of other vegetation types such as flower-rich meadows, scrub and groups of trees. Old pol-lards and other mature trees are particularly valu-able, and additional native trees could be planted

to expand tree cover. Ponds are also very valuableas they provide food and water for bats to drink.

Moorland and heathlandOpen moorland and heathland habitats are gener-ally poor for bats. Areas of birch or pine woodlandwill provide suitable foraging habitat and shouldbe retained, especially if associated with damp orboggy areas. Note though, that this may contradictmanagement requirements for important moor and

22

Arable farmland before and after conservation management.

Before

After

Arable farmland before and after conservation man-agement key ❶ Arable land can be improved by expanding field

margins and maintaining treelines, hedgerowsand ditches.

❶ ❷

❷ Planting hedgerows and groups of trees at fieldcorners will provide valuable habitats.

23

heathland species so the local SNCO should becontacted for further advice.

Coastal habitatsMost insects on beaches are associated with rot-ting seaweed and driftwood. This material, andbeaches generally, should be left undisturbed.Reclamation poses a major threat to saltmarsh andother coastal habitats with their associated insects.

Urban habitatsIn urban areas, gardens, parks and recreationgrounds can provide good foraging grounds. Greenareas can be improved by growing night-scentedflowers and other flowers particularly favoured byinsects. Leaving areas of grass uncut and provid-ing open water will also attract insects. Trees andshrubs in gardens and parks or on waste groundwill provide cover and additional feeding sites.More detailed advice is given in Bats in the garden(see page 41).

Additional features valuable to foraging bats

Buildings and bridgesBuildings, bridges and other structures can beimportant roosting sites for bats. These featurescan be particularly valuable in the vicinity ofwater, or on the edge of woodland or other key for-aging grounds. Maintenance work to buildings,such as re-pointing, should leave some crevicesfor bats. Skimming bridges with concrete candestroy bat roosts so these should be checked care-fully before this or other repair work is undertak-en. Buildings can be positively improved toaccommodate roosting bats – more informationcan be found in The bat workers’ manual and Batsin houses (see page 41). The local SNCO shouldbe contacted for advice if there is any evidence ofbats in a building. It is illegal to damage or destroya roost site even when bats are not present.

Bat boxesBat boxes are artificial roost sites, usually madefrom wood. They are similar in design to bird boxesbut have an entrance gap underneath rather than ahole in front. Boxes should be erected on trees or buildings at a height of 2-3m, ideally erectingseveral boxes to face different directions. Furtherdetails can be found in Bat boxes (see page 41).

Single TreesEven single trees provide important foraging androosting opportunities. Holes and crevices inmature trees and spaces under bark can be used asroosts. Trees can be incorporated into a network offeeding sites by connecting them to linear featuressuch as hedgerows.

White lightingWhite street lighting attracts insects that can beexploited by some of the less threatened species ofbat. These foraging sites are most relevant in built-up areas where many other suitable habitats donot exist. White lighting should be avoided nearthe edges of woodlands and ponds as common batspecies may be attracted at the expense of morespecialised and rarer species.

Caves and minesUnderground places such as caves, mines and tun-nels are often used as hibernation sites. Any man-agement nearby should be carried out with care,and no material should be dumped in disusedcaves or mines. While it may be necessary to con-sider closure of entrances to underground struc-tures, consult the local SNCO before doing so. Safeclosure can be achieved while enabling bats tocontinue using it as a roost.

Holes and crevices in mature trees can be used as roosts.

24

Management decision tree

Proceed work with care and include habitat

creation as mitigationfor change

Consider appropriatehabitat enhancement

Continue to manage for bats

Contact local SNCOprior to any actions

to alter habitat

Are bats or roosts known to be present?

Are ‘rare’ species orbat roosts present in

the area?

Is the habitat ofparticular importance?

Is good bat foraging habitat present?

(Uncertain – contactSNCO, FWAG etc.)

Is the bat habitat at riskfrom ‘significant’ change?

Is any part of the area a statutory site?

No

Yes Yes Yes

No

Yes Yes

No?

No?

No?

START HERE

Each species of bat has very particular habitatrequirements. Differences in wing shape andecholocation call result in differences in habitatuse and the types of insect caught. For example,species with long narrow wings such as noctulescannot manoeuvre easily in woodland and preferto fly in the open. Species with short broad wingssuch as brown long-eared bats, can turn very tight-ly in the spaces between trees, but avoid openareas where their slow flight may make them vul-nerable to predators.

Habitat requirements and basic managementrecommendations for each of the 16 bat species inthe UK are presented in this section. As a generalrule, advice and help should always be soughtfrom the local SNCO, Wildlife Trust or specialist

bat group in the area prior to embarking onspecies-specific management actions. Chapter 2 ofthis manual provides a cross-reference to guidemanagement activities for particular habitats –and further references are given at the end. Somebackground information on each species, includ-ing generalised distribution maps showing themain areas they are found, is summarised in thesespecies management accounts. The local SNCOmay also be able to provide information on thelocation of known roosts.

The data for the distribution maps have beenprovided from the Distribution atlas of bats inBritain and Ireland 1980-1999, produced by theBat Conservation Trust and compiled by PhilRichardson. Recording was based on 10kmsquares of the National Grid.

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3 Habitat management forindividual bat species

26

Greater horseshoe bat

Distribution: Restricted

Status: Rare

Summer roosts: Old buildings, caves and aban-doned mines

The greater horseshoe bat is one of the rarest batsin the UK. The few surviving populations are cen-tred around summer maternity roosts in south-west England and south Wales.

Ancient woodland and permanent pasture arethe most important habitats for this species. Theyprovide the bats with insect food and the linearfeatures such as woodland edges and hedgeswhich they use as flight paths. Greater horseshoebats feed on a variety of insects, but cockchafers(maybugs), dung beetles and moths are particularfavourites. Dung beetles are an especially impor-tant food source for young bats in early Augustwhen they begin their first feeding flights. Feedingareas within a radius of about 4 km of maternityroost are critical for the long-term survival of thisendangered species.

Management recommendations• Retain existing ancient woodland, old orchards

and large old trees, particularly adjacent tograzed pasture. Woodland should containgrassy rides and glades at least 10-15 m across.

• Maintain grazed permanent pasture, particularlyas small fields with large hedges.

• Do not use persistent wormers such as aver-mectins and minimise insecticide use generally.

• Maintain all hedges and manage as tall, bushystructures with mature trees. Create new hedge-rows and tree lines across open pasture, linkingwith existing hedges and woodland blocks.

• Give priority to protecting foraging areas within4 km of maternity roosts.

Further detailed management advice is availablein the leaflet Managing landscapes for the greaterhorseshoe bat (see page 41).

Channel Islands

27

Lesser horseshoe bat

Distribution: Restricted

Status: Rare

Summer roosts: Old buildings, caves and mines

Lesser horseshoe bats feed mainly in densebroadleaved woodland and areas of wet wood-land, and less often in bankside vegetation andparkland. They generally forage within 2-3 km oftheir roost. This species avoids open areas andinstead uses tree lines, woodland edges, over-grown hedges and vegetated banks of streams tomove between their roost and woodland feedinggrounds. Loss of these connecting features resultsin lesser horseshoe bats being isolated from, andunable to exploit, their preferred feeding grounds.

Management recommendations• Maintenance and sensitive management of

hedges and tree lines is of key importance.Hedges should not be excessively cut and maybe improved by replanting any gaps andallowing some hedgerow trees to mature.

• Conserve broadleaved woodland, particularlyin the vicinity of water. To promote densevegetation, avoid grazing or cutting of theunderstorey.

• Give priority to protecting woodland and linearhabitats within 2-3 km of the roost.

Channel Islands

28

Daubenton’s bat

Distribution: Widespread

Status: Common

Summer roosts: Buildings, bridges and trees closeto open water

Daubenton’s bats feed mainly on insects withaquatic larval stages such as non-biting midges.The bats forage over the surface of rivers, canals,lakes, reservoirs and flooded gravel pits, and alsooccasionally use ponds, pools and drainage ditch-es. Of particular importance are slow flowingrivers and canals, and sheltered parts of lakes andother water bodies. Areas of smooth (sheltered)water with trees and vegetation on both banks areideal habitat for this species.

However, at some times of the year and in theearly evening, Daubenton’s bats may forage inbroadleaved woodland. The bats use hedges, over-grown bankside vegetation, and linear waterwaysto move between roosts and foraging sites.Changes in water quality may be tolerated to someextent – there is some evidence that this speciescan benefit from eutrophication (see page 16).

Management recommendations• Maintain rivers, open water, ponds and ditches.

Conserve freshwater insects by maintainingaquatic plants and controlling fish stocks.Avoid spraying pesticides near water.

• Protect trees, hedges and bankside vegetationand manage sensitively.

• Establish trees on both banks.

Channel Islands

Brandt’s bat

Distribution: Widespread

Status: Scarce

Summer roosts: Buildings and possibly tree holes

Brandt’s bats feed mainly on flies, especiallycraneflies, and occasionally on moths. The mainforaging habitat for this species is woodland, par-ticularly damp areas or drier areas close to water.Brandt’s bats use both broadleaved and coniferouswoodland, forest edges and clear felled areas.Generally exposed spaces are avoided and hedgesand tree lines are used as flight paths. Loss of suchlinear features can result in isolation and effectiveloss of feeding grounds.

Management recommendations• Retain woodland, particularly wet woodland

and broadleaved woodland near water.Woodland may be enhanced by creating pondsor other damp areas.

• Conserve freshwater habitats, particularly nearwoodland.

29

Channel Islands

Whiskered bat

Distribution: Widespread

Status: Scarce

Summer roosts: Buildings and probably tree holes

Whiskered bats are very similar to Brandt’s bat inappearance and diet. However, whiskered bats arethought to be more generally associated withrivers and woodland edges than Brandt’s bat; nar-row rivers with dense bankside vegetation providesuitable habitat and woodland rides are some-times used. Whiskered bats also forage in moreopen areas such as parks and hedges by fields.

Management recommendations• Maintain freshwater habitats, particularly

bankside trees and other vegetation.

• Conserve woodland. Maintain open rides andglades and woodland ponds.

• Maintain hedgerows and tree lines.

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Channel Islands

Natterer’s bat

Distribution: Widespread

Status: Frequent (except in northern Scotland)

Summer roosts: Old buildings, bridges, treecrevices

Natterer’s bat is usually associated withbroadleaved and wet woodland. It is often foundalong woodland edges and tree lines, but has alsobeen recorded in undergrowth inside hedges, overgrass, over water and foraging around single treesor bushes. It appears to forage more than 2-3 kmfrom roosts, and some males have been recordedtravelling up to 6 km to find good feeding grounds.Damp habitats and bankside vegetation may beparticularly important feeding grounds. The dietconsists mainly of flies and spiders.

Management recommendations• Maintain broadleaved woodland, particularly

damp woodland and woodland adjacent towaterways.

• Maintain hedgerows and tree lines to provideflight paths and sheltered areas for foraging.

• Maintain pasture, meadow and freshwaterhabitats and avoid pesticide use there.

• Protect mature trees as possible roost sites.

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Channel Islands

Bechstein’s bat

Distribution: Restricted

Status: Rare

Summer roosts: Tree holes and bat boxes

Bechstein’s bat is a woodland species. It feeds onmoths, spiders and flies taken from foliage andother surfaces. It prefers broadleaved woodlandwith mature trees, but will also forage in areas ofyounger trees or exotic shrubs. Little is known ofthe wider habitat requirements of this species.

Management recommendations• Maintain broadleaved woodland. If trees must

be removed, fell selectively.

• Maintain tree lines and hedgerows to linkwoodland blocks. Enhance links betweenwoodland and any known hibernation sites.

• Retain old trees in woodland to providepotential roost sites.

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Channel Islands

Pipistrelle

Distribution: Widespread

Status: Common

Summer roosts: Buildings (mainly houses), oftenin semi-urban areas

The pipistrelle is the most common bat in the UK.Key feeding habitats include bankside habitats(particularly lakes, wide rivers and large ponds),parks, broadleaved woodland, hedges, tree lines,and beneath white lighting in towns and villages.Pipistrelles eat mainly flies, often those associatedwith freshwater habitats.

Pipistrelles are generally associated with semi-open vegetation found at the boundary betweendifferent habitats. Tree lines and bankside vegeta-tion are used as flight paths, although this specieswill also cross open areas.

It is now accepted that there are two separatespecies of pipistrelle based on differences in fre-quency of their echolocation calls. Pipistrelleswith calls of higher frequency (55 kHz – the sopra-no pipistrelle) are more commonly associatedwith rivers and lakes, and those with lower calls(45 kHz – the common pipistrelle) have more var-ied foraging patterns.

Management recommendations• Maintain freshwater habitats and management

practices that favour high densities of aquaticinsects.

• Maintain bankside trees and other vegetation asflight routes and feeding grounds.

• Manage woodland edges and hedgerowsappropriately, including the prevention ofspray drift.

33

Channel Islands

34

Nathusius’ pipistrelle

Distribution: Restricted

Status: Rare

Summer roosts: Tree holes and bat boxes

Until recently Nathusius’ pipistrelle was regardedas a winter migrant, but now there is evidence ofits presence in the UK throughout the year andnursery colonies have been discovered. Generally,this species forages by rivers, eating mostly flies.They have also been recorded in woodland andalong tree lines.

Management recommendations• Conserve freshwater habitats and maintain

water quality.

• Maintain and enhance tree lines, particularly inopen farmland.

Channel Islands

35

Serotine

Distribution: Restricted

Status: Frequent

Summer roosts: Generally buildings in rural andsemi-urban areas

The serotine eats mainly beetles, including chafersand dung beetles, but will also eat flies and moths.Feeding grounds include unimproved cattle pas-ture, and areas of unimproved grassland such asmeadows, parkland, cemeteries, village greens,golf courses and playing fields. Woodland edges,hedgerows, tree lines, single trees and areas of calm water are also used regularly. White street-lights and sewage treatment works also attract for-aging serotines.

Management recommendations• Maintain permanent pasture through regular

grazing. Do not use persistent cattle wormerssuch as avermectins, especially in the vicinityof summer roosts.

• Minimise use of pesticides.

• Widen field margins and leave fallow or unsprayed.

Channel Islands

Noctule

Distribution: Widespread

Status: Frequent (except in Scotland)

Summer roosts: Tree holes, often in open wood-land

The noctule is a fast flying species which eatsflies, beetles and moths. Noctules forage over openareas such as open water and wetlands, often atconsiderable distances – up to 26 km – from theirroosts. Other feeding areas include improved cat-tle pasture, open parts of woodland, woodlandedges, parks and open farmland near lakes.Noctules also feed by white street lamps in vil-lages and on the outskirts of towns.

Management recommendations• Conserve freshwater habitats and maintain

water quality.

• Avoid felling mature trees. Use tree surgeryinstead to ensure that roosts are retained.

• Leave dead wood standing to attractwoodpeckers.

• Maintain open areas in woodlands.

36

Channel Islands

Leisler’s bat

Distribution: Widespread

Status: Rare

Summer roosts: Buildings and tree holes

Leisler’s bats generally forage over open environ-ments catching flies and beetles. This species usesa wide range of habitats: rivers, lakes, ponds,coastal marshes, beaches, pasture, meadow,hedgerows and woodland clearings, over wood-land canopies and along woodland edges. Leisler’sbats also forage around white lighting in rural andurban areas.

Management recommendations• Maintain pasture by grazing. Avoid persistent

wormers for livestock.

• Minimise use of pesticides and avoid drift overmeadow and pasture.

• Maintain open freshwater habitats and waterquality.

• Avoid felling mature trees, particularly inparkland, as these offer roosting opportunities.

37

Channel Islands

Barbastelle

Distribution: Widespread

Status: Rare

Summer roosts: Buildings, tree holes and spacesunder bark

The barbastelle is one of the UK’s rarest bats andonly a few are recorded each year. This is mainlya woodland species. It feeds almost exclusively onmoths taken in flight but may also glean insectsand spiders from vegetation. In mainland Europe,barbastelles are found in deciduous woodland,woodland rides and glades, bankside woodland,woodland edges and even over open water. In theUK barbastelles have been recorded in woodlandbut also in suburban parks and orchards.

Management recommendations• Retain woodlands and manage them to favour

moths. Consider planting night-flowering speciesand a diversity of native trees and shrubs.

• Protect water quality

• Minimise pesticide use, particularly nearbankside vegetation and woodland edges.

38

Channel Islands

Brown long-eared bat

Distribution: Widespread

Status: Common

Summer roosts: Houses, other buildings, trees andbat boxes

Brown long-eared bats feed by taking insects, gen-erally moths, directly from foliage or other sur-faces. Their favoured foraging ground is decidu-ous woodland within 1-2 km of roost sites. Otherfeeding areas include coniferous woodland, wetwoodland, small groups of trees, woodland edge,garden shrubs, bankside vegetation and parklandwith scattered trees.

Brown long-eared bats rarely cross open areasand follow hedgerows, tree lines and grassy bankswhen moving between roosts and foraging sites.Loss of such features may isolate feeding groundsfrom roost sites, making them unusable.

Management recommendations• Protect broadleaved woodland, trees and

woodland edge. Manage to favour mothpopulations.

• Maintain linear features such as hedges and treelines, especially close to roost sites.

• Prioritise management of woodland, woodlandedge and hedgerows within 1 km of roosts.

39

Channel Islands

Grey long-eared bat

Distribution: Restricted

Status: Rare

Summer roosts: Houses in rural and suburban areas

Grey long-eared bats eat mainly moths and fliesassociated with woodland habitats. Informationon habitat requirements for this species in the UKis still sketchy. However, in mainland Europethese bats forage in a range of habitats includingwoodland, woodland edges, parkland, orchardsand gardens on own outskirts. They also foragearound tree lines, single trees, and even in rela-tively open areas over meadows. There is someindication that this species forages predominantlywithin 2 km of the roost.

Management recommendations• Protect woodland, particularly damp broad-

leaved woodland.

• Maintain woodland edges that merge withgrassland.

• Prioritise management within 2 km of knownroosts. Avoid pesticides that may affect moths.

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Channel Islands

Mitchell-Jones, A J and McLeish, A P (eds) (1999)The bat workers’ manual. JNCC, Peterborough

HMSO (1995) Biodiversity: The UK steering groupreport, volumes 1 and 2. HMSO Some actionplans for individual bat species are included involume 2. Others are included in UK Bio-diversity Group tranche 2 action plans –volume 1. English Nature, Peterborough.

Hutson, A M (1987) Bats in houses. The BatConservation Trust, London. Detailed infor-mation on bat roosts.

Hutson, A M, Mickleburgh, S P and MitchellJones, A J (1995) Bats underground – a conser-vation code. The Bat Conservation Trust,London. Discusses hibernation in detail.

MAFF (1998) Code of Practice for the safe use ofpesticides on farms and holdings. Ministry ofAgriculture, Fisheries and Food, London.

Read, H (2000) Veteran Trees: A guide to goodmanagement. English Nature, Peterborough.Provides information on English Nature’sVeteran Trees Initiative.

The Bat Conservation Trust (1997) Bats and trees.The Bat Conservation Trust, London. Hopkins,E (1998) Guidance note 1: Trees and bats.

Arboricultural Association, Romsey. Bothcontain information about how to identifyroosts in trees. Bats and trees also includesmanagement advice on minimising disturbanceto bats during tree surgery.

English Nature (1998) Managing landscapes forthe greater horseshoe bat, English Nature.Contains detailed recommendations on therequirements of this species.

Knowles, M (1995) An introduction to wildlifeconservation. Smallholder Practical Series, Kings Lynn. Includes detailed advice onsuitable management techniques for wildlife.Particularly relevant to small farms andsmallholdings.

Thompson, S (1989) Bats in the garden. SchoolGarden Company. Includes detailed advice onhow to improve the attractiveness of gardens tobats.

Stebbings, R and Walsh, S (1991) Bat boxes. TheBat Conservation Trust/Fauna and FloraPreservation Society, London. Details of theconstruction and siting of bat boxes. A summ-ary leaflet is also available from the BatConservation Trust.

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4 References

Drake, M, Williams, P, Biggs, J and Whitfield, M(1996) Managing ponds for wildlife. EnglishNature, Peterborough. Management techniquesfor enhancing the value of ponds for wildlife.

English Nature (1999) Managing landscapes forthe serotine bat. English Nature, Peterborough.

Fuller, R J and Warren, M S (1993) Coppice wood-lands: their management for wildlife (2nded.) JNCC.

Greenaway, F and Hutson, A M (1990) A fieldguide to British bats. Bruce Coleman Books,Uxbridge.

Hutson, A M (1993) Action plan for the conser-vation of bats in the United Kingdom. The BatConservation Trust, London. Includes the statusof each British bat species, an indication of likely threats to their populations, and conser-vation action needed to protect them.

Hutson, A M (1999) Bats and dung in Cox, J Thebiodiversity of animal dung. Hampshire andIsle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Eastleigh.

Hutson, A M, Mickleburgh, S P and Mitchell-Jones,A J (1995) Bats underground – a conservation code.The Bat Conservation Trust, London. Providesadvice on the conservation of bats roosting incaves, mines and other underground sites.

Kirby, P (1992) Habitat management for invert-ebrates: A practical handbook. JNCC/RSPB,Sandy. Detailed information on how habitatscan be managed to favour insect diversity andnumbers.

Mitchell-Jones, A J (1992) Focus on bats. EnglishNature, Peterborough. A summary of batbiology, roosting and hibernation, with moredetailed advice on helping bats that roost inbuildings.

Richardson, P (1985) Bats. Whittet Books, London.Robertson, J (1990) The complete bat. Chatto &

Windus, London (out of print).Russ, J (1999) The bats of Britain and Ireland:

Echolocation calls, sound analysis and speciesidentification. Alana Books, Newtown.

Briggs, B and King, D (1998) The bat detective – afield guide for bat detection. Stag Electronics,Shoreham-by-Sea. More information on echolo-cation.

Swift, S M (1998) Long-eared bats. Poyser, London.Warren, M S and Fuller, R J (1993) Woodland rides

and glades: Their management for wildlife.JNCC.

42

5 Further reading

43

The Bern Convention

Bats receive protected status by their listing onAppendix II of the Council of Europe BernConvention. This listing and the UK’s Accessionto the Convention resulted in the Wildlife andCountryside Act being passed into UK law.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

All bats in Great Britain are protected throughinclusion on schedule 5 of this legislation. Thismeans that it is illegal to:

• Intentionally kill, injure or take bats

• Intentionally or recklessly damage or destroybat roosts or disturb bats in their roosts.

Seek advice from the appropriate SNCO beforecarrying out any work that might affect a bat roost,including those in houses. Intentional or recklessdamage to bats or their roosts can result in prose-cution and substantial fines.

There is equivalent legislation in NorthernIreland under The Wildlife (Northern Ireland)Order 1985.

Annex I: Legislation protecting bats

The Agreement on the Conservation ofPopulations of European Bats (Under the Convention on the Conservation ofMigratory Species of Wild Animals – The ‘Bonn Convention’)

Under this Agreement, the Government is obliged to:

• protect all bat species and their roost sites

• endeavour to identify and protect importantfeeding areas

• protect important bat habitats when decidinggeneral habitat conservation priorities.

The EC Directive on the conservation ofnatural and semi-natural habitats and ofwild fauna and flora (the ‘Habitats Directive’)

Under this directive:

• protection is given to all bat species (Annex IV)

• four UK breeding species (greater and lesserhorseshoe bats, Bechstein’s bat and barbastelle)are given special protection under Annex II,making it a requirement to designate roosts andforaging sites as Special Areas for Conservation(SACs).

The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.)Regulations and The Conservation (NaturalHabitats & c.) Northern Ireland Regulations 1997

These regulations transpose the requirements ofthe Habitats Directive into domestic legislation,effectively complementing the Wildlife andCountryside Act 1981 (as amended). All bats areincluded on Schedule 2 as ‘European protectedspecies’. One important addition is the setting upof a licensing system to regulate any essentialdestruction of breeding or resting places.

44

45

There are a number of incentive schemes designedto encourage and support farmers in adoptinggood environmental management on their land. Inreturn for payments, farmers enter into agreementsto undertake specific management regimens orchanges in land use, many of which benefitwildlife, including bats. The majority of theseschemes are in part funded through the EuropeanUnion. Contact details for relevant organisationsare given overleaf.

Grants are available for specific managementactivities to enhance existing habitats and for theestablishment of new habitats. A range of habitattypes and features are covered including ponds,streams and rivers, wet grassland, old pasture,orchards, parkland, scrub, heathland and hedges.Schemes also encourage hedge and tree planting,pollarding, pond creation and provide support forfarms converting to organic production, all ofwhich could benefit bats. Further information isavailable from: the Department for Environment,Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Regional ServiceCentres, the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs

Department, Scottish Natural Heritage, EnglishNature and the Countryside Council for Wales.

There are a number of schemes specificallydesigned to encourage the planting and manage-ment of woodland, including veteran trees andassociated habitats. Grants are available for bothsmall and large-scale projects and can be obtainedfor planting woods on former arable land, naturalregeneration in enclosed areas and for conserva-tion management of existing woodland, wood-pas-ture, parkland and hedgerows. Information can beobtained from: the Forestry Commission, theDepartment of Agriculture and Rural Develop-ment Northern Ireland, English Nature, theCountryside Council for Wales, Coed Cymru andthe Tree Council.

Assistance is available to support habitat cre-ation and enhancement on set-aside agriculturalland, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and forsmall-scale local projects. Information can beobtained respectively from DEFRA, EnglishNature, the Countryside Council for Wales andcounty councils in England.

Annex II: Financial supportfor habitat management

The following organisations can help with fund-ing and/or advice to assist in the conservation ofbats.

English NatureEnquiry ServiceNorthminster HousePeterborough PE1 1UATel: 01733 455101Email: enquiries@english-nature.org.ukWebsite: www.english-nature.org.uk

Scottish Natural Heritage12 Hope TerraceEdinburgh EH9 2ASTel: 0131 447 4784Email: enquiries@snh.gov.ukWebsite: www.snh.org.uk

Countryside Council for WalesPlas PenrhosPenrhos RoadBangorGwynedd LL57 2LQTel: 01248 385732Website: www.ccw.gov.uk

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)Monkstone HouseCity RoadPeterborough PE1 1JYWebsite: www.jncc.gov.uk

Environment and Heritage ServiceCountryside and Wildlife BranchCommonwealth House23 Castle PlaceBelfast BT1 1FYTel: 028 9025 1477Website: www.ehsni.gov.uk

Forestry Commission231 Corstorphine RoadEdinburgh EH12 7ATTel: 0131 334 0303 Email: enquiries@forestry.gsi.gov.ukWebsite: www.forestry.gov.uk

Department for Environment,Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)3-8 Whitehall PlaceLondon SW1A 2HHTel: 08459 335577Email: helpline@defra.gsi.gov.ukWebsite: www.defra.gov.uk

Rural Affairs Department SecretariatThe Scottish ExecutiveRoom 440Pentland House47 Robbs LoanEdinburgh EH14 1TYTel: 0131 244 6023Email: ceu@scotland.gov.uk

Department of Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentCountryside Management DivisionDundonald HouseUpper Newtownards RoadBelfast BT4 2SBTel: 02890 520100Email: library@nics.gov.ukWebsite: www.dardni.gov.uk

Coed CymruThe Old SawmillTregynonNewtonPowys SY16 3PLTel: 01686 650777Email: coedcymru@mid-wales.netWebsite: www.coedcymru.mid-wales.net

The Bat Conservation Trust15 Cloisters House8 Battersea Park RoadLondon SW8 4BGTel: 020 7627 2629Email: enquiries@bats.org.ukWebsite: www.bats.org.uk

The Mammal Society15 Cloisters House8 Battersea Park RoadLondon SW8 4BGTel: 020 7498 4358Email: enquiries@mammals.org.ukWebsite: www.abdn.ac.uk/mammal/

Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG)National Agricultural CentreStoneleighKenilworthWarwickshire CV8 2RXTel: 024 7669 6699Email: info@fwag.org.ukWebsite: www.fwag.org.uk

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Annex III: Key contacts

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The Wildlife TrustsThe KilnMather RoadNewarkNottinghamshire NG24 1WTTel: 01636 677711Email: info@wildlife-trusts.cix.co.ukWebsite: www.wildlifetrusts.org/

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers36 St Mary’s StreetWallingfordOxfordshire OX10 0EUTel: 01491 839766Email: information@btcv.org.ukWebsite: www.btcv.org

BTCV ScotlandBalallan House24 Allan ParkStirling FK8 2QGTel: 01786 479697Email: scotland@btcv.org.ukWebsite: www.btcv.org

Conservation Volunteers (Northern Ireland)159 Ravenhill RoadBelfast BT6 0BPTel: 028 9064 5169Email: cvni@cvni.orgWebsite: www.btcv.org/cvni

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The Joint Nature Conservation Committee is the forumthrough which the three country nature conservation agencies –the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), English Nature(EN) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) – deliver theirstatutory responsibilities for Great Britain as a whole andinternationally. These responsibilities, known as the specialfunctions, contribute to sustaining and enriching biologicaldiversity, enhancing geological features and sustaining natural systems.

The special functions are principally:

• to advise ministers on the development of policies for, or affecting, nature conservation in Great Britain andinternationally;

• to provide advice and knowledge to anyone on natureconservation issues affecting Great Britain and internationally;

• to establish common standards throughout Great Britainfor the monitoring of nature conservation and for researchinto nature conservation and the analysis of the results;and

• to commission or support research which the Committeedeems relevant to the special functions.

In the UK, bat numbers have declined rapidly in recent years.Habitat management for Bats enables land managers, ownersand their advisors to play their part in stemming this trendby providing clear advice on how to manage areas to benefitforaging bats.