Protecting bats in Chorley

All About Bats

There are 18 native species of bat found within the UK, all of which are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. They are a vital part of our ecosystems, but since the 1970s numbers have declined, primarily due to habitat loss. Conservation efforts focus on preserving roosting (nesting) sites, feeding grounds, and migration corridors.

image of a bat flying

The National Trust and Bat Conservation Trust work to protect bats by maintaining old buildings, woodlands, and hedgerows, which are key habitats for roosting and feeding.

Bats are magnificent but misunderstood. By protecting their habitats and making small changes in our communities, we can ensure they continue to thrive across the UK.

What to do if you find a bat?

If you have found a bat, stay calm and follow these steps!

  • Grounded bat (on the ground or indoors): Do not touch it. Place a box or container over it with air holes and call a local bat rescue or wildlife group for advice (information below).

 

  • Bat flying indoors: Close inside doors to keep it in one room, open all the windows, and turn off the lights. Leave the room and give it a chance to fly out.

 

  • Bat roost in your house (e.g. loft or roof): Bats are protected by law and must not be disturbed. Having a roost is safe! Bats don’t damage buildings, and they help to control insects. If needed, contact a licensed bat conservation group for advice on living alongside them or making repairs safely.

Remember! Never handle a bat. Bats are rarely aggressive but may bite if they feel scared. Always seek expert help!

Please Contact:

South Lancashire Bat Group: 0161 764 8850

National Bat Helpline: 0345 1300 228

How can you help?

Make your garden bat-friendly

  • grow night-scented flowers like jasmine, honeysuckle, and evening primrose to attract insects
  • avoid pesticides to protect insect populations
  • install a bat box on a tree or building, ideally 4 to 5 metres high and facing southeast
  • trees provide natural roost features for bats; these features must be protected and retained where safe to do so

Reduce light pollution

  • use motion-sensor lights or low-intensity bulbs
  • shield outdoor lights to avoid disrupting bat flight paths.

Learn and share

  • join local bat walks or conservation groups
  • educate others about bats’ ecological role
  • report bat sightings to conservation organisations.

What are we doing?

At certain times of the year, our team of rangers make and install roosting boxes to support bat species in some of our woodland areas such as Yarrow Valley Country Park.

For example, Astley Park currently holds 60 bat roost boxes which were installed in 2015 by our rangers and Friends of Astley Park Volunteers.

You can help to support bats in Chorley by building and installing bat boxes in your garden.