Throwing bats under the train: HS2’s bat tunnel and the dangerous spin behind deregulation

Throwing bats under the train: HS2’s bat tunnel and the dangerous spin behind deregulation

3rd April 2025

HS2's so-called bat tunnel has become a political scapegoat, used to justify rolling back environmental protections. But the real story is very different. This page breaks down what the bat tunnel is, who approved it, and why weakening protections won’t solve the UK’s planning challenges.

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Brown long-eared bats are medium-sized with ears nearly as long as the body. In this photo several are cuddled together in a roof void.

Better planning needs real solutions, not blame games 

17th March 2025

The government’s rhetoric is pushing for deregulation at the expense of nature.

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Nature vs Growth? The false choice threatening our future

Nature vs Growth? The false choice threatening our future

31st January 2025

Should developers 'stop worrying about the bats and the newts'? They don't have to; pitting nature against development is dangerous, irresponsible and unnecessary.

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Is the government’s planning reform bad for bats?

Is the government’s planning reform bad for bats?

22nd January 2025

Planning reforms risk devastating impacts to bats, here's what we're doing about it and how you can help.

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Plan for Change: Don’t blame bats

Plan for Change: Don’t blame bats

9th December 2024

The Prime Minister was wrong to label the regulators as “naysayers” and to undermine the regulations that protect out natural heritage and environment.

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New funding to help us defend nature recovery policy

New funding to help us defend nature recovery policy

24th October 2023

With pressure on environmental policies in the run up to a General Election, funding from John Ellerman Foundation means BCT can continue to work to safeguard legal protections.

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Retained EU Law Bill: What next?

Retained EU Law Bill: What next?

7th August 2023

BCT supports the new Nature 2030 campaign. Nature 2030 was created by over 80 conservation charities in response to the Retained EU Law Bill becoming an Act of Parliament. Support the campaign by signing a letter to all political parties telling them to put five key environmental pledges in their manifestos.

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A Brown long-eared bat chasing a moth in the night sky.

A world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together

10th October 2022

In August we launched an 'URGENT call for help campaign' asking for your help to demand that government maintain the legal protection for bats. Here is an update.

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