Scotland's Wildlife:

Bats and people

Helping bats

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.

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 20mm 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.

Bat grilles

Underground sites, such as caves, abandoned mines, cellars or tunnels, can be protected with specially designed grilles which will keep people out but allow bats in. These need to be built to a tested specification and fitted carefully. If you know of a site you feel needs protection, please contact Scottish Natural Heritage for detailed advice and assistance.

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.

Bat groups

If you want to learn more about bats and become more actively involved in their conservation, there is a network of local voluntary bat groups - affiliated to the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) - covering much of Scotland, i.e Orkney, Sutherland & Caithness, Inverness, Skye, Aberdeen, Strathspey, Angus, Perth, Central Scotland, Loch Lomond, Fife & Kinross, Isle of Arran, Clyde, Lothians, Borders, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway. Details of how to make contact with your nearest group can be obtained through the BCT or from your local Scottish Natural Heritage Area Office.