Helping bats and getting involved

Here are some ways in which people can give bats a helping hand.

Underground

Many bats rely on underground sites such as caves, abandoned mines, tunnels, cellars and ice-houses for hibernation. Unfortunately, such places are sometimes blocked up for safety reasons or by rubbish dumping, so bats either lose their hibernation site or, worse still, are sealed up inside. If you're planning to block, cap, grille or demolish any sort of underground place which might be used by bats, please consult Scottish Natural Heritage before starting work. Also, try to avoid entering these places during the winter if you think bats may be hibernating there.

Hollow trees

These are important for bats and other wildlife but they are often 'tidied up' without thinking about their value. Leaving hollow trees standing provides ideal roosts for bats and other wildlife, and sometimes lopping branches is all that it takes to make them safe. Even hollow branches on healthy trees can be important for bats. Remember bat roosts are protected from being damaged or destroyed even accidentally. If bats are roosting in the tree or branch you need to fell, you will need a licence before cutting it down (see Bats and the law ).

House roosts

You can make your house accessible to bats by providing holes in the right places; however, it's just a matter of chance if bats find them. Access holes should be no larger than 20 millimetres wide and the best places to put them are along eaves near the corners of buildings or at gable apexes.

Bat boxes

These are like bird boxes but with a slit at the bottom for the bats to get in rather than a hole in the side. It's best if they're put up on trees in an area such as a conifer plantation where there are lots of insects but no natural roosts for bats. Bats will sometimes use boxes on houses, but don't be disappointed if the box appears to stay empty. They should be put as high up as possible facing south. You may have a local bat group who could advise you, and the Bat Conservation Trust or Scottish Natural Heritage are always happy to provide advice.

Bats in the garden

Planting a wildlife garden can help to provide the insects that bats need, especially if there's a pond and night-scented flowers and shrubs.