To ask Her Majesty's Government under what legislation and in what circumstances developers are required to make provision for bats to cross roads, railways or other infrastructure. [HL5970]

Bats are protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended)¹ , and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)². It is an offence to injure or kill a bat, or significantly to disturb bats. Derogations may be granted through licence from Natural England where proposals will not be detrimental to the favourable conservation status of the species.

Public authorities also have a duty under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006)³ to have regard for the conservation of biodiversity in exercising their functions.

¹ Part III (39) Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended)

² Part I (9) Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

³ Part 3 (40)(1) Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006)