Bat Conservation Trust Partners with NFRC to Offer Guidance and Training to Contractors

The Bat Conservation Trust has been with working with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors to support the education and guidance of its members to manage risks to, and conserve, bats and their roosts during roof work.

The organisations have collaborated on creating a ‘bite-sized’ e-learning module, which can be completed in your own time remotely. This draws down from the more comprehensive Bat Conservation Trust’s in-person training run online, which allows roofing contractors to share in discussions about bat species, their roost sites and why they are important.

As an introduction to the topic, both parties have also worked on a Guidance Note (GN77) covering the considerations needed during roofing works.

The guidance covers:

• Bat species in the UK
• Legal and protection measures
• Planning roofing work and precautions needed
• Considerations for membranes for use where bats are or suspected as present
• Additional measures roofers can take to help conserve bats

The Bat Conservation Trust has been championing the protection of our bat species and their habitats throughout the UK, engaging with people and these intriguing mammals to provide guidance to those whose work might impact bats, for almost 35 years.

Jo Ferguson, Built Environment Manager at BCT, said: “Partnership working with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors clearly shows the industry’s commitment to protecting our vulnerable bat species, while also helping contractors and householders carry out work to roofs and uphold the law. It has been a pleasure working with such a dedicated and knowledgeable team!”

Download the GN77 Bat considerations during Roofing Work here.

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