SP 7 - Bat assemblage

Code

SP 7

Priority species or species assemblage

Bat assemblage

Description

This includes the following species: Western Barbastelle, Serotine, Bechstein's Bat, Brandt's Bat, Daubenton's Bat, Whiskered Bat, Natterer's Bat, Lesser Noctule, Noctule Bat, Nathusius's Pipistrelle, Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, Grey Long-eared Bat, Brown Long-eared Bat, Greater Horseshoe Bat and Lesser Horseshoe Bat.

Wider environmental benefits

Reducing climate change impact

Assemblage measure 1

Safeguard habitats surrounding known roosts (including roosts in buildings)

Assemblage measure 1 description

Bats primarily reside within roosts throughout the summer months when they are most active. These roosts can be in a variety of different places such as within hollow trees, eaves of building, caves or any small space. Disturbing bat roosts can be a legal offence. Due to this it is important to safeguard surrounding areas as this could impact the roost directly along with reducing the potential area for transit and foraging.

Assemblage measure 2

Provide 'dark corridors' for transit between roost and foraging sites

Assemblage measure 2 description

Bat commonly use woodland edges, hedgerows, rivers and other linear features for navigation along with protection from predators. Interruptions to these routes can result in bats no longer being able to reach hunting grounds reducing their chances of survival.

Assemblage measure 3

Provision and safeguarding of underground hibernacula

Assemblage measure 3 description

During the winter months bats depend on hibernacula for their hibernation periods. These spaces provide an excellent area for warmth, protection and minimal human disturbance. The safeguarding of these areas provides bat species with the opportunity to carry out natural processes that they would otherwise struggle with.