Make allowances for protected bats in rural build projects

Farmers and other rural dwellers are being advised to make allowances for building work delays if bats are found in a property.

Scotland is home to nine species of bats, all of which have European protection, and property consultants Galbraiths say before any building work can commence in properties which house them, a series of ecology surveys may be required to be carried out by specialist ecologists over a period from May to August when bats are out of hibernation.

Work may also need to be licenced by Scottish Natural Heritage.

James Taylor, of the Galbraith building surveying team, advises early planning if any project risks disturbance to bats or any other protected species during their breeding cycle.

“There are a range of measures that can be undertaken including the timing of the work to avoid the breeding season, installation of bat boxes to re-house any bats found during the work and specifying the installation of lead slates in new roofs to maintain access for bats in future,” he said.

“The use of under-slate breathable membranes can be problematic where bats are present as bats can become entangled in the membrane. Therefore, the design of the roof has to be carefully considered.”

Ecologist Sabina Ostalowska, of Bowland Ecology, said it was illegal to disturb, kill or injure bats or to damage, destroy or obstruct access to a bat roost.

Failure to comply with legislation can lead to criminal prosecutions.

It is illegal to disturb bats