My neighbour has got BATS!

[trondi]

I have just seen about 50 bats leaving the roof space of my neighbours house!

Wow isn't she the luckiest person in our village!!

OOps just remembered - she is very houseproud and I am sure she would endeavour to make them move home - somehow!

What should I do??

1. should I go round and congratulate her?
2. should I say nothing but try to photograph them coming and going - then probably get arrested for 'peeping tom' pervy behaviour?
3. get a local bat group to come and move them round to my house?

So WHAT SHOULD I DO guys and gals??

[TeresaW]

I'd tell her, and if she throws a wobbly about it, tell her you'll help her by getting in touch with the local bat group.
That way, you're helping the bats, but letting your houseproud neighbour think you're helping her

[solus]

Keep quiet - if she doesn't know she can't hurt the bats. And if you learn that she is aware of them and not too happy, a friendly word in her ear about the law mightn't go amiss.

[STYRBJORN]

Stock up on garlic just in case . . .

STYRBJORN

[posie]

Originally Posted by TeresaW

I'd tell her, and if she throws a wobbly about it, tell her you'll help her by getting in touch with the local bat group.
That way, you're helping the bats, but letting your houseproud neighbour think you're helping her

I like this idea Teresa, uses a bit of psychology, albeit 'child' psychology, but then maybe keeping quiet and having the joy of watching them without any aggro might be favourite.....Nah, tell the moo and have the joy of watching some protected wildlife get the better of her, and her 'houseproudness'..HeHe...Posie..

[meinchewster]

Tell her, It is illegal for the bats to be disturbed in anyway without license, that includes taking pictures im afraid. If she needs any work doing on the house she will need a bat survey etc.

It is a must that you inform the local bat group as without such records, bats can recieve illegal killings etc and no-one is any the wiser. We need records of such roosts to learn more about bat ecology and also to prevent the loss of bat roosts in houses, especially without licensed mitigation.

PM me if you need any details

[trondi]

Thanks everyone - for so many different replies LOL

I will have to think about before I do anything.

In the meanwhile I am going to keep watch.

I got home late this evening to find the bats were already leaving thier roost at 9-45pm ish. I counted 70 bats in 4 mins and then got a shout from my good lady that the dog needed a walk. So I never got to see the rate of exit reduce at all.

On return from our walk none were seen to be leaving during a 1 minute obs - but loads were hunting in the neighberhood.

Sometime soon I hope to be in position (with a glass of wine) before they fly the roost and to take a total count - and to video it too if possible.

Dave

[posie]

..Hi Dave, what sort of bats are they?

[stigofthedump]

Personally I'd first inform your local bat group, then congratulate her on having them and let her know that you have already reported the roost. Then let it slip that you are fully aware that they are protected by law



Vince

[trondi]

Originally Posted by posie

..Hi Dave, what sort of bats are they?

Not sure - hope to have a closer look this evening - got home too late last night to do any viewing.