Menu
27/08/2003
Building industry accused of 'bat crime'
The building trade as been criticized in a new report which suggests that it is responsible for a reduction in the bat population.
A new report published by the Bat Conservation Trust and the RSPB today shows that "crimes against bats" are extensive throughout the UK, and that bat populations are suffering as a result.
The report outlines the results of a two-year partnership project which has shown that the number of bat-related offences is "much greater than had been initially anticipated" – with 144 offences identified. The finger of blame, however, is firmly on the construction industry as it is claimed that two-third (67%) of these offences.
The highest instances of damage occurred during renovations on derelict buildings such as barns.
“We were aware that bat roosts were being destroyed but had no idea about the level,” Amy Coyte, Chief Executive of the Bat Conservation Trust, said.
“This report provides concrete evidence for the first time that bat crime is rife in the UK, and that the major perpetrators are developers. We are aware of the need for development but this must be done sustainably, taking bats into account before building work starts and ensuring that the appropriate legal procedure is followed.”
The report also recommends that the police work in close partnership with the statutory nature conservation organisations (English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage, Countryside Council for Wales and the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland) and volunteer bat workers around the country to better enforce the bat legislation. With closer collaboration and understanding, the Bat Conservation Trust is "confident that bat crime can be tackled successfully".
(gmcg)
A new report published by the Bat Conservation Trust and the RSPB today shows that "crimes against bats" are extensive throughout the UK, and that bat populations are suffering as a result.
The report outlines the results of a two-year partnership project which has shown that the number of bat-related offences is "much greater than had been initially anticipated" – with 144 offences identified. The finger of blame, however, is firmly on the construction industry as it is claimed that two-third (67%) of these offences.
The highest instances of damage occurred during renovations on derelict buildings such as barns.
“We were aware that bat roosts were being destroyed but had no idea about the level,” Amy Coyte, Chief Executive of the Bat Conservation Trust, said.
“This report provides concrete evidence for the first time that bat crime is rife in the UK, and that the major perpetrators are developers. We are aware of the need for development but this must be done sustainably, taking bats into account before building work starts and ensuring that the appropriate legal procedure is followed.”
The report also recommends that the police work in close partnership with the statutory nature conservation organisations (English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage, Countryside Council for Wales and the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland) and volunteer bat workers around the country to better enforce the bat legislation. With closer collaboration and understanding, the Bat Conservation Trust is "confident that bat crime can be tackled successfully".
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 August 2003
UK's rare bittern population sees 'dramatic' rise
One of the UK’s rarest birds – the bittern – has experienced its most dramatic annual population increase since 1997, when first started to recover from virtual extinction, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
UK's rare bittern population sees 'dramatic' rise
One of the UK’s rarest birds – the bittern – has experienced its most dramatic annual population increase since 1997, when first started to recover from virtual extinction, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
17 February 2015
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
03 May 2012
Wet Summer Sinks Standards Of Scottish Bathing Beaches
The Marine Conservation Society has recommended fewer bathing beaches in Scotland in its latest Good Beach Guide. The number of beaches in Scotland recommended for their excellent bathing water quality in the annual Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Good Beach Guide has dropped in the last year, putting Scotland behind the rest of the UK.
Wet Summer Sinks Standards Of Scottish Bathing Beaches
The Marine Conservation Society has recommended fewer bathing beaches in Scotland in its latest Good Beach Guide. The number of beaches in Scotland recommended for their excellent bathing water quality in the annual Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Good Beach Guide has dropped in the last year, putting Scotland behind the rest of the UK.
25 February 2010
Man Jailed For Baseball Bat Attack
A man has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years for attacking his friend with a baseball bat before marching him to a cashpoint and stealing money. William 'Billy' Donovan, 39, of Norfolk Terrace, Cambridge, left his victim with serious injuries following the attack in Cambridge on April 24 last year.
Man Jailed For Baseball Bat Attack
A man has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years for attacking his friend with a baseball bat before marching him to a cashpoint and stealing money. William 'Billy' Donovan, 39, of Norfolk Terrace, Cambridge, left his victim with serious injuries following the attack in Cambridge on April 24 last year.
20 December 2007
Plans To Protect Marine Life Unveiled
Nearly 4,000 square miles of sea around Britain could get special status to extend protection for marine life under new proposals unveiled today. Seven areas have been earmarked to become, depending on public consultation, the UK's first offshore Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).
Plans To Protect Marine Life Unveiled
Nearly 4,000 square miles of sea around Britain could get special status to extend protection for marine life under new proposals unveiled today. Seven areas have been earmarked to become, depending on public consultation, the UK's first offshore Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
