Batwatch Guidelines

Bat roosts in Orkney are small and hard to find. The roosts that we are aware of are all on private property. The privacy and wishes of the landowners should be respected at all times.  There are places to visit in Orkney to see bats that are available to the public without disturbing private households.

• Please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at all times   http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/
• Do not disturb or damage bats or their roosts. All bat species and their roosts are legally protected in the UK.

• Do not enter private gardens unless  permission from the landowner has been pre-arranged. Keep to public roads and footpaths.
• Please try not to disturb households at night. Try and be as quiet as possible. Use headphones with detectors if possible
•  If you see or hear a bat try and observe where it is coming from and going to and what is it doing. Note date, time and place and who observed the bats, how many bats. Inform the County Recorder for bats or email the  Orkney bat Group  orkneybats@hotmail.co.uk
• Do not handle bats. If you find a bat in difficulties, ease into a ventilated container with some paper or cloth for it to hide under and a shallow container of water for it to drink (if alive).  Wear gloves. Inform the local SSPCA officer or local bat group
• Please do not publish the whereabouts of bat roosts on the web, we do not have many in Orkney and we wish to respect the privacy of the landowners who allow the bat group access with permission.