Wildlife crimes are prosecuted reasonably in Scotland according to common law. Who is prosecuted would depend on the exact circumstances, but it could be the person committing or commissioning the offence.

Not knowing is not a valid defence, and classes as recklessly damaging or destroying a protected species or their habitat.

Stage 1 surveys (or Preliminary Roost Assessments) are daytime site visits to assess potential for roosting bats. Where bats are known to roost, it's not possible to skip this stage as it also collects important information for your licence application.

We always look to carry out your surveys pragmatically, and where bats are known to roost, we may combine your stage 1 survey with the first stage 2 (Bat Activity) survey by arriving an hour early on the first evening.

We start the 18-months from the last survey completed.

This isn't written down explicitly by NatureScot, but they are usually pragmatic when dealing with survey reports. We'd not recommend counting on this, so it's important not to commission your surveys too early!

If you take reasonable effort when doing repairs to your property you are unlikely to be penalised.

You can look for bats entering and leaving your property by sitting out in the evening* (around 30 minutes before sunrise to 1:30hr after) and watching for any emergences. If you see none, you have taken reasonable efforts to ensure they are not present. For larger projects or rural sites, you can always message us for free advice.

If you do come across a bat when conducting small repairs, stop immediately and get in touch.

If bats are present, we can help you ensure you comply with the law and retain the roost or create alternative roosting opportunities if needed.

*David recommends doing this step with a gin and tonic.

Bats are rarely found roosting near pigeons, but can share the same space as birds over the course of the year. We are aware of at least one bat box used by blue tits in the spring and summer, and then by bats in the autumn after the chicks fledge.

The same is true for wasps. The presence of wasps doesn't rule out bats roosting - it all depends on the specifics of the roost site.

Potentially yes. In this instance we would recommend getting in touch with us as soon as possible.

NatureScot will treat cases with health and safety concerns as a priority, and we are currently expanding our contacts with pest controllers to ensure these situations are handled within the legislation.