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Written question asked by Ben Maguire (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 September 2025. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Owner Occupation: Bats

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make it her policy to issue guidance for homeowners who discover bats in their property.

Answer

All bats, including their breeding sites and resting places, are protected under UK and international law. This strict legal protection makes it an offence to deliberately capture, injure, or kill bats; to damage or destroy a breeding or resting place; or to obstruct access to a resting or sheltering place.

Guidance on what steps to take if you find bats in your home can be found at Bats: protection and licences - GOV.UK. Natural England are currently reviewing their existing guidance around bats to ensure it is up-to-date, accessible and easy to navigate - supporting both homeowners and bats.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
76208
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Owner occupation Bats
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk