Post by jonsdigs on Nov 17, 2006 22:48:33 GMT -5
Expert wants homes to be havens for bats
Cumbrian News and Star
Published on 17/11/2006
By Ross Brewster
A LAKE District bat expert has warned that people adapting existing buildings need to think about the bats which may be living there.
With a rapid decline in bat populations, all Britain’s native 16 species and their roosts are legally protected.
Eight varieties can be found in Cumbria and they depend on buildings to house them.
“Most bats use a variety of roosts over the year, carefully selecting different sites according to the season,” said Lake District National Park Authority ecologist Judy Clavey.
Anyone adapting existing structures needs to consider the possibility that bats may be using their building.
In some cases a survey may be required and roost areas protected or replaced while the bats are elsewhere.
Various parts of buildings are used – from cavity walls to ridge beams or inside stone walls.
Keeping these features available is vital, said Ms Clavey.
Pipistrelles, found in the Lake District, weigh the same as a 10p coin, but eat as many as 3,000 insects a night.
n Check out bat files on www.lake district.gov.uk\batroosts
Article
Cumbrian News and Star
Published on 17/11/2006
By Ross Brewster
A LAKE District bat expert has warned that people adapting existing buildings need to think about the bats which may be living there.
With a rapid decline in bat populations, all Britain’s native 16 species and their roosts are legally protected.
Eight varieties can be found in Cumbria and they depend on buildings to house them.
“Most bats use a variety of roosts over the year, carefully selecting different sites according to the season,” said Lake District National Park Authority ecologist Judy Clavey.
Anyone adapting existing structures needs to consider the possibility that bats may be using their building.
In some cases a survey may be required and roost areas protected or replaced while the bats are elsewhere.
Various parts of buildings are used – from cavity walls to ridge beams or inside stone walls.
Keeping these features available is vital, said Ms Clavey.
Pipistrelles, found in the Lake District, weigh the same as a 10p coin, but eat as many as 3,000 insects a night.
n Check out bat files on www.lake district.gov.uk\batroosts
Article