Threats to Bats
Sadly, our UK bat populations have declined considerably during the past century. They are still under threat from factors such as:
Loss of feeding habitats and flightlines
It is evident that in the 20th century, bat numbers have decreased dramatically and this mirrors the ever-changing countryside. Natural habitats such as hedgerows, woodlands and ponds have been declining and fragmenting. It is important that we create new suitable habitats and manage and enhance existing habitats to aid in the recovery of bat populations to our countryside.
In our cities, you can help to encourage bats by putting up bat boxes, growing specific plants to attract insects and making ponds.
Loss of insects to feed on
Loss of habitat, the use of pesticides and intensive farming practices have lead to a reduction in the abundance of insects which the bats rely on as their only food source. For example the change from hay making to silage, has meant that many insects do not reach adulthood so there are less flying adults available. Changes in climate may also influence insect life cycles and so this may affect when bats can feed.
Building and development work affecting roosts
Many bat species roost in buildings and so are extremely vulnerable to the acitivies of humans. Bats in buildings are under direct threat if they are present whilst works are underway or if a demolition is taking place. Bats disturbed 
at a particularly sensitive time of year such as during hibernation in winter or when young bats are being raised in the summer can have hugely detrimental impacts on local bat populations. Bats may suffer injuries, abandon babies, or even be poisoned by toxic timber treatment chemicals.
Bats are also threatened indirectly when their roost is destroyed. This can happen not only during major works like demolition, but also by simple remedial works such as replacement of fascia boards or a slipped tile that can block access to their roost; insulation of a cavity wall or loft can also damage or destroy roosts. Blocking access to a roost or destroying or damaging a roost not only prevents bats from returning the next year, it may even trap bats inside causing them to starve and die.
All bats and their roosts are protected by law, so before doing any works to your property where bats are present or where you have seen droppings, you must seek advice from your SNCO in order to avoid disturbing bats or their roosts and ensure you stay within the law. For more information on this please see our Building and Remedial Works page.
Before planning and development works take place a survey by an ecological consultant may be a condition of planning permission and licences may need to be applied for. Please see Bats, Building and Development or Planning and the Law for further information.
If you suspect a bat related crime (such as bats being disturbed or roosts being damaged or destroyed) is being committed, or if you see someone harming a bat in any way, you should contact your local police station and inform the Wildlife Crime Officer. For more information about this process please go to our Bats and the Law page.
Other threats to bats
Felling of Trees Containing Roosts - Visit our Bats and Forestry page or download our Bats and Trees leaflet