Bats & Tree Work

 

Bats are protected by law and should never knowingly be disturbed. If you think you have bats in your tree you must let us know before we carry out do any work.

 

Knowingly disturbing nesting or roosting bats is an offence and can carry a custodial sentence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

 

It is also an offence in England and Wales under the CRoW Act 2000.

 

In Britain is it illegal to:

  • Intentionally kill or injure any bat
  • Disturb a bat roost
  • Damage bats’ roost sites or obstruct the entrance
  •  

    However, it is not illegal to remove bats from the living area of a house or to rescue injured or abandoned bats as they may be released when recovered.

     

    Bats rest, give birth, raise young, form groups and hibernate in natural holes, crevices and sheltered places. Such conditions occur naturally in mature trees, the most common tree types for nesting bats are Oak, Ash, Beech and Scots pine.

     

    If bats are unwelcome or should any work be planned anywhere suspected of housing bats, Natural England (01743 709611) must first be consulted and must be allowed time to examine the roost and advise before any action is taken. For more information about bats please visit: http://www.bats.org.uk/

     

    Sussex Bat group look out for bats’ interests in Sussex find out more: http://sussexbatgroup.pchweb.co.uk/

     

    Douglas Fir Tree Care are able to advise and help with your tree problems, for your free consultation or advice please feel free to contact by email

     

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