Bat Advice & Protection

Bats are protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS) which came into force in 1994. By signing up to this agreement, Guernsey has committed to protect bats through monitoring, legislation, education, conservation measures and international co-operation. Many European bats are under threat and some have even become extinct in certain countries. It is important we monitor our bats, to understand how we can help populations to thrive. 

How you can help bats

Reduce pesticides

All bats that live in our islands eat insects. You can increase their food by minimising your use of pesticides.

Create a 'bat haven' garden

  • Plant night-scented flowers.
  • Build a pond.
  • Let your garden go wild.
  • Create linear features i.e. hedgerows/treelines. 

Promote natural habitats

Leave non-hazardous dead or dying trees; they make great homes for bats. 

Avoid disturbing bats

If a bat is disturbed during hibernation, it may become active and burn through its fat reserves.

Put up a bat box

They are an easy home for bats to rest and many of the species we have in the Bailiwick will use them.

Use 'bat friendly' outdoor lighting

Reduce, or remove, artificial lighting and if possible use warm white LED lights. 

Bat Advice

A bat has flown inside my house!

Sometimes bats may mistakenly fly through open windows when hunting insects or when seeking temporary cover from the weather. These are often isolated incidences and don’t necessarily mean that there is a roost near the property. Just turn off the lights and open the windows wide, and the bat should find it’s way back out! 

Bats in need of rescue

Finding a grounded or lost bat can be fascinating to see up close. Although bats are protected by law, you’re allowed to handle a bat in trouble to assist it. There is a small risk of rabies transmission from bat bites and scratches, but you can protect yourself by wearing gloves.

Please contact the GSPCA who will be able to help and will inform the La Société Bat Section. 

I've found a bat during building works

If you or your contractors find a bat (or bats) during building work, there’s no need to panic – but you do need to take the situation seriously.

We recommend you follow these three simple steps:

  1. Pause all works
  2. Make sure the bat is not in danger
  3. Contact an ecologist consultant. In Guernsey, please contact Environment Guernsey or the La Société Bat Section who are able to undertake a survey for you. 

While it is illegal to disturb a bat roost, you will not be in trouble if you act responsibly as soon as the bats are found. The aim of the advice is to help you continue with your work legally while reducing the chances of accidentally harming any bats or their roosts.

I think bats are living in my building

Many homeowners and tenants share their property with bats without being alerted to their presence. If you think you have identified a bat roost in your property, there is no need to concerned, bats will do no harm to your building. 

If you think you might have bats in your property, have a look out for droppings or look for the bats themselves emerging or re-entering from the building. Bats will emerge around sunset –  sometimes just before to an hour or so afterwards. 

Please contact La Société Bat Section and Environment Guernsey who can undertake a survey for you and register your roost for the island’s records. 

Bat Conservation Trust

The Bat Conservation Trust also have some brilliant  resources about how you can help bats, as well as further advice if you have any other questions or concerns: 

 

 

Further advice or queries