Lobbying and Consultations
BCT is constantly responding to consultations and lobbying on issues that have implications for bat conservation.
We monitor many of the issues on the political agenda via our membership of Wildlife and Countryside Link and we often contribute to joint responses on issues to government bodies such as Natural England and JNCC via this discussion forum.
Direct lobbying by BCT to high level policy makers is also undertaken for issues considered to have a particular threat to the conservation of bats.
Working in partnership
We work in partnership with many government, other non-governmental organisations and bat specialists commenting on issues, producing important papers and best practice guidance. Many consultations come directly to BCT for response, whilst others come via Wildlife and Countryside Link, other BCT contacts and members. A wide range of issues are covered including: changes in legislation & licencing, good practice guidance, planning issues and work associated with the UK and countries Biodiversity Action Planning System.
Current Consultations and Lobbying
Localism Bill and Planning Reform: The Localism Bill contains a number of proposals to give local authorities new freedoms and flexibility. It is a long and complex piece of legislation. The focus of the bill is on new arrangements for strategic planning, and new neighbourhood plans. Whilst there are some things in the Bill that have been long campaigned for by conservation organisations, such as abolishing the Infrastructure Planning Commission and returning decisions on major infrastructure to an elected person, the Secretary of State. There are areas of conservation concern for BCT. BCT's position statement - Localism and Planning
Parts of the Localism Bill relate to Wales, details of which can be found in Annex A of the draft Bill
Natural Environment White Paper: The coalition government have announced its budget cuts and drawing together its plans for the natural environment in a White Paper. BCT is currently working to ensure bats and biodiversity are on the political agenda at this critical time. Find out more about the public consultation on the Natural Environment White Paper and how you can help.
Good Practice Guidance
People working with bats or who might come into contact with bats or their roosts during their daily lives require good practice guidance to help them conduct their business in the interests of bat conservation. Some examples of good practice guidance is provided below and also via the Professional Guidance page.
Other examples of BCT's partnership work include:
- Investigating the concept of 'Favourable Conservation Status' (FCS) as defined in the Habitats Directive. download the paper: Favourable Conservation Status - from legal interpretation to practical application
- Adding to the debate about the level of protection that bat foraging and commuting habitats. Download the paper: Is important bat foraging and commuting habitat legally protected?
Our work is funded by Natural England and The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation
