HERTS AND MIDDLESEX BAT GROUP

The HMBG bat helpline number is: 01992 581442

Call this number for any bat welfare related problem, emergency or any queries about the Herts and Middlesex bat group

or you can email us on enquiries@hmbg.org.uk

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News of successful prosecution for illegally destroying a bat roost

This website aims to give a general introduction to the Herts and Middlesex Bat Group, one of over 90 local bat groups affiliated to the Bat Conservation Trust dedicated to the conservation of bats and their habitats, as well as to provide general information on bats.

Bat populations are decreasing. One species has recently become extinct in Britain and others are seriously endangered. The activities of local groups such as the Herts and Middlesex Bat Group further bat conservation through the following activities:

organising events and walks to improve public awareness of bats and their problems
visiting people who have bats in their buildings, to dispel misunderstandings and
enable the statutory nature conservation organisations to provide advice
organising conservation projects such as bat box schemes
protecting important sites
recording distribution, population changes and behaviour of bats in their area
taking in sick, injured or orphaned bats for release back into the wild on their recovery

Bats are unique amongst mammals, being the only ones capable of flight. Many, like all our 16 British species, eat insects. Elsewhere other bats are pollinators and seed dispersers of many plants important to man. Unfortunately their numbers are declining through:

loss of roost sites
loss of feeding areas and increased use of pesticides
misunderstanding and prejudice on the part of the public

Bats and their roosts have been afforded special protection in Britain by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 but this on its own is not enough to ensure that their future is safeguarded.

YOU can help bats by joining your local bat group and/or The Bat Conservation Trust.
When you join a bat group you will receive a newsletter telling you all about bats and the many activities of your local group.
You do not have to become deeply involved or have specialised knowledge or experience.
There are a range of opportunities for involvement all of which play a vital and necessary part towards the aim of conserving our native bat species.

If you would like to join the Herts and Middlesex Bat Group please contact the following for further details:

Membership Secretary: Hazel Makepeace on 07884 247361

Membership details can be downloaded here: Membership Form

Chairman: Jenny Jones - contact through the helpline on 01992 581442

You can email us on enquiries@hmbg.org.uk

Developer hit with £3,500 fine for destroying bat roost (February 2008)

At last some justice for the bats and the conservation of their roosts and habitat. 'PJ Livesey Group Ltd' a property developer based in Manchester has been fined for illegally destroying a bat roost in a building being converted in Essendon, Hertfordshire.

The site in Essendon, Hertfordshire was a known bat roost after being surveyed by our current Chairman in 1991, when the then owners wanted to repair the roof with both Pipistrelle and Brown Long Eared bats present. In November 2005 a survey was undertaken by a Consultant on behalf of PJ Livesey Group Ltd, again evidence of Pipistrelles, Brown long eared and a further rarer species Serotine bats were found. These suboptimal winter surveys proved that the site was very important for bats and that any work carried out would have to be done under a DEFRA licence and under condition that the firm provided suitable alternative roost sites and avoided the most sensitive time of year.

The developers asked a different Consultant to re-survey in February 2006 who found little evidence of recent bat use. Using this information planning applications were submitted; a keen eyed bat group member working at the Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre (HBRC) had received the planning application and was concerned with the conflicting findings and raised the issue with the local bat group.

Photo: Daniel Hargreaves

Following consultation with the developers and HBRC, in July the bat group visited the site and found recent evidence of bats using the buildings and a Brown Long Eared bat roosting inside the roof space (like the one pictured ). Subsequently, the developers were given planning permission subject to gaining a DEFRA licence.

Some months later a member of the group passed the building site and noticed substantial works were in progress without the required DEFRA licence and immediately contacted the police to investigate. All work at the site was stopped in December but the damage had already been caused; evidence was gathered and the case went to court.

P J Livesey Group Ltd failed to attend St Albans Magistrates Court on 1st February 2008, but a letter from their lawyer was read out in mitigation. The Judge found that the damage to the structure was reckless and would have had a significant impact on the bat population on site. She added that P J Livesey's knew full well that a licence was required but carried out the works regardless and the resignation of their Regional Director could not excuse the works not being overseen properly. She gave some credit for the late guilty plea. The Judge fined the company £3,500, and ordered it to pay £2,000 costs.

Dr Jenny Jones, Chair, Herts & Middx Bat Group said: “It is an exceptionally good result for the ‘bat world’, this success has been aided by the many hours given by dedicated voluntary bat workers from the group and a great deal of thanks must go to them. I would also like to thank, on behalf of the group, the Police, PC Dave Wardell in particular, and the CPS for their effort and determination.”