III. Species Action Plans - Newcastle City Council

12. Bats
Protection/Legislation
All bats are protected under the following
legislation:-
Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside
Act (1981) which extends to bat
roosts and hibernation sites
Appendix II of the Bern Convention
Annex IV of the Habitats Directive
Bonn Convention
The Conservation (Natural Habitats &
c.)Regulations (1994)
Issues of Concern
Intensive farming practices, inappropriate
riparian management,
increased pesticide use and changes
in land use have reduced the
abundance of insect prey.
BAT TARGETS
Collate records on the number and distribution of bat roosts.
Ensure that every demolition or renovation project provides
at least one bat box on the new building.
Erect bat boxes on 5 suitable sites on an annual basis.
Create 5000 linear metres of foraging/commuting habitat for
bats
Produce bat guidance document for planners & developers.
Protect all mature trees and standing deadwood and ensure
that if felling or pruning is required, a bat survey is
undertaken and appropriate mitigation implemented.
Newcastle & North Tyneside Biodiversity Action Plan
50
Loss and disturbance of summer and
winter roost sites including loss of
maternity roosts from toxic timber
treatment chemicals, inappropriate
building practices, tree felling and
development.
Pesticide build up through the food
chain leading to a possible decline in
prey abundance.
Loss of and changes in foraging
habitat and fragmentation of
insect-rich feeding habitat, particularly
along corridors such as hedgerows
and rivers.
Inadequate understanding of the
legislation protecting bats, leading to
inadequate site surveys and loss or
damage to roosts when consultation
procedures have not been followed.
TARGET
DATE
2015
Annually
Annually
2016
2012
Ongoing
PARTNERS
NCC, NTC,
ERIC, NBG
NTC, NCC,
NWT
NTC, NCC,
NWT, BCT,
Community
NTC, NCC,
NWT
NTC, NCC
NTC, NCC,