The Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) has launched the latest practical guidance on considering the impact upon bats when designing lighting schemes. They have partnered the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) and ecological consultants to write this document on avoiding or reducing the harmful effects which artificial lighting may have on bats and their habitats. This guidance is available on the ILP website as a Guidance Note (GN) with immediate effect and can be dowloaded here: https://www.theilp.org.uk/documents/guidance-note-8-bats-and-artificial-lighting/
The GN supersedes the previous 2009 guidance and goes into depth about lighting levels and colour temperature impacts on different bat species. It is intended to raise awareness of the impacts of arti?cial lighting on bats but also the potential solutions to avoid and reduce this harm.
It has been written by a panel of experts representing ILP, BCT and ecologists. Since the publishing of the 2009 edition there has been an increase in the knowledge of our UK bat species, of which there are now 18 recorded species and a considerable amount of research done on impacts but also mitigation measures.
International and domestic legislation protect all species of bat and their roost sites (whether bats are present at the time or not). It is illegal to kill, injure, capture, or cause disturbance that affects populations of bats, obstruct access to bat roosts, or damage or destroy bat roosts. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) protects all bats from ‘intentional’ or ‘reckless’ disturbance. Lighting in the vicinity of a bat roost causing disturbance and potential abandonment of the roost or entomb bats within the roost which could constitute an offence both to a population and to individuals.
New development projects can reduce negative impacts of lighting on bats by utilising this guidance along with advice from suitably experienced ecological consultants from the start of a project. This latest guidance recommends a working partnership between the Lighting Profession and the Ecologists who specialise in bats where lighting is required, and bats may be impacted.
The GN considers bats roosting, foraging and commuting needs in greater details than ever before. Some bat species have been shown to be impacted by significantly lower lighting levels than others, certain colour temperature environments also play a factor in the level of impact. However, all bats require dark roosting areas, corridors through the landscape and habitats to feed.
With the advent of modern LED technology, there is also more flexibility to control for light spill, choose wider colour temperature options and implement flexible lighting schemes unlike previous restrictions with sodium technology, for example.
The ILP and BCT intend this document to be read by lighting professionals, lighting designers, planning of?cers, developers, bat workers/ecologists and anyone specifying lighting.
“Although we will continue to learn more about how lighting impacts on bats, other wildlife and people, this guidance note is an important step in raising awareness of the negative impacts of artificial lighting and how to avoid or reduce them. This work emphasises the importance of ecologists and lighting engineers collaborating to find a solution at the start of a project and to communicate throughout to find positive solutions for all concerned." Jo Ferguson, Built Environment Officer, Bat Conservation Trust.
James Miles from the panel said “This document addresses concerns from the lighting profession in designing lighting that avoids or reduces impacts on our bat species while also being fit for purpose."
Ends: The Institution of Lighting Professionals unites the skills of engineering, design and technology in order to deliver quality lighting for the built environment and achieve public benefit.
The Bat Conservation Trust are the leading NGO solely devoted to the conservation of bats and the landscapes on which they rely. We work closely with many organisations including over 100 bat groups across the UK. Bats are unique and play a vital role in our environment but during the last century bat populations suffered severe declines. We are working to secure the future of bats in our ever-changing world by tackling the threats to bats, from persecution to loss or roosts and changing land use. As the authoritative voice for bat conservation we work locally, nationally, across Europe and internationally.
Please click on the link to download the document - https://www.theilp.org.uk/documents/guidance-note-8-bats-and-artificial-lighting/
Contact Haydn Yeo, Vice President Technical for ILP, for further details on info@theilp.org.uk.
FAQs
This latest guidance recommends a working partnership between the Lighting Profession and the Ecologists who specialise in bats where lighting is required, and bats may be impacted. The GN considers bats roosting, foraging and commuting needs in greater details than ever before.
What do the bat conservation trust do? ›
Our work spans discovering more about bats and how they use the landscape, taking practical conservation action and influencing policy to secure bat populations, inspiring and engaging people with bats and bat conservation and strengthen our work by building skills, resources, motivation and understanding.
What is being done to help bats with light pollution? ›
Don't light up bat roosts, feeding sites, water sources, and connecting corridors (travel routes). Avoid lighting near waterways, as these are a key source of insect prey. If lights are needed, use low-intensity red or amber lighting, installed at least 50m from bat habitats.
What is the lighting strategy for bats? ›
Warm White Light
The Eurobats Guidelines for Consideration of Bats in Lighting Projects recommends the use of warm white lamps (with peak wavelengths above 580nm) with a correlated colour of >2700K.
Are bat roosts federally protected? ›
Bats are legally protected
In North America, bats have protections in their natural environments and some laws protect bats when they occupy a home or building. However, several species of conservation concern such as little brown bats and Florida bonneted bats might be found in man-made structures.
Is Bat Conservation International legit? ›
Bat Conservation International is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization [referred to herein as BCI]. BCI is committed to conserving bats and their habitats worldwide.
Is Bat Conservation International a good charity? ›
This charity's score is 100%, earning it a Four-Star rating.
What smell will keep bats away? ›
Use scents that deter bats around your home, like peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, or mothballs. Bats strongly dislike these smells and may not re-enter your home if you use these scents. Use your sound machine regularly.
What kind of light do bats hate? ›
Hence, in order to limit the negative impact of light at night on bats, white and green light should be avoided in or close to natural habitat, but red lights may be used if illumination is needed.
Can mothballs keep bats away? ›
Since bats are federally protected, using chemicals of any kind to try and remove the bats is illegal. Not only are mothballs completely ineffective to get rid of bats in your house, but they can also be dangerous. Additionally, mothballs are meant to be kept in airtight containers because of the toxic vapor they emit.
Bats are nocturnal animals that have adapted to a life in darkness, partly to avoid predation during daylight hours from bird of prey species such as sparrowhawks. Therefore the artificial lighting of bat roosts, access points and foraging pathways can be extremely disturbing to bats and should be avoided.
Will bright lights keep bats away? ›
Bats do not like bright lights and only want dark spaces to roost. However, shining a bright light on a bat does not always work. It may confuse the bat or cause it to move to a different place in your home.
Do bats hate red light? ›
(2018) Migratory bats are attracted by red light but not by warm-white light: implications for the protection of nocturnal migrants.
What is the average lifespan of a bat? ›
Although most bats live less than 20 years in the wild, scientists have documented six species that life more than 30 years. In 2006, a tiny bat from Siberia set the world record at 41 years. The Townsend's big-eared bat's average lifespan is 16 years.
What is a flock of bats called? ›
Answer and Explanation: A group of bats is called a colony of bats. Some also have referred to a group of bats as a camp of bats. Within one colony of bats, there may be 10 to 1,000 bats or more. Bats tend to stick together in order to protect each other, to mate and to gather food.
Why is it illegal to have a pet bat? ›
Bats are unique animals. Taking them away from the wild isn't recommended. There are many laws protecting bats, and the federal government regulates the transfer of bats. Interstate laws prohibit their transport without special permits.
What is the organization for bat conservation? ›
The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) is the only national organisation solely devoted to the conservation of bats and their habitats in the UK.
What does the Game and wildlife conservation Trust do? ›
We are a leading UK charity conducting conservation science to enhance the British countryside for public benefit. For over 90 years we have been researching and developing game and wildlife management techniques.
What is the history of the bat conservation trust? ›
BCT was founded in 1991 and is the only national organisation solely devoted to bats. Its vision is a world where bats and people live in harmony. BCT currently has a membership of around 5,600, including individuals, families, teachers and youth workers and corporate businesses.
What is bat conservation status? ›
