Between late May and early August, many bat species across North Wales give birth to their young—making it baby bat season. During this time, juvenile bats may be abandoned or orphaned and also begin learning to fly, often resulting in an increase in grounded or injured bats found on construction sites.
If your project involves roof work, demolition, or vegetation clearance, there’s a good chance you could encounter one. Here’s what you need to know if that happens.
Why this matters
All bats and their roosts are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Interfering with a bat—even unintentionally—can lead to legal consequences. The good news? With the right process in place, you can stay compliant and avoid delays.
What to do if you find a grounded bat
- Stop work immediately in the area where the bat was found.
- Do not attempt to pick up or move the bat with bare hands—use gloves or a cloth and place it gently in a lidded ventilated box.
- Keep the bat somewhere quiet and shaded—not in direct sun and away from pets or machinery.
- Call the Bat Conservation Trust National Bat Helpline immediately on 0345 1300 228 for further guidance. Time is of the essence for any grounded or injured bat.
- Notify your ecological consultant. If you’re working with Eco-Scope, contact your project lead for site-specific advice.
Proactive measures to reduce risk
If you’re operating in areas with known bat presence or during peak activity months, you should already have a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) or protected species survey in place.
We also recommend:
- Daily site briefings during peak bat season,
- Toolbox talks covering bat awareness,
- Having a named Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) available for call-out advice.
Need help now?
If you’re working on a site and encounter a bat issue, contact Eco-Scope for urgent advice. Our team includes licensed bat workers with extensive North Wales experience, ready to assist with both field support and formal reporting.