Mammals

Noctule Bat (Nyctalus noctule)

Objectives

To maintain all known current populations.
To safeguard all known roost sites.
To retain and enhance suitable habitat to increase the distribution and population density.

Targets

To maintain all known existing populations of Noctule within the County from 2001 onwards.

Total achievements to date (November 1998 - March 2001)

Noctules been recorded at 25 locations since 1998.
Records of Noctules have now been entered onto the biological database, giving year 2000 base-line data for this species.
13 potential roosts have been created through National Forest Tender Schemes.
46 promotional events and walks held (various sources).

Current Action

Protection and Policy

The species is protected by national legislation and European treaties including the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and the Conservation / Natural Habitats, Regulations 1994, the Bern and Bonn conventions, CRoW Act 2000 and the EC Habitats and Species Directive.
The Staffordshire Bat Group and the South East Staffordshire Bat Group are the lead organisations for this species.

Management, Research and Survey

The species is included in the UK National Bat Monitoring Programme.
The species is proposed for international collaboration on migration studies and population monitoring under the Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe (Bonn Convention).
The Bat Conservation Trust is carrying out research to identify roosting and foraging requirements of this species.
Staffordshire Bat Group and South East Staffordshire Bat Group collect data on distribution in the county.

Action Plan

UK Lead Organisation:

N/A

County Lead Organisations:

Staffordshire Bat Group

South East Staffordshire Bat Group

Policy

Seek support for SBG and SEB to continue monitoring of roosts, survey of areas affected by proposed development and the provision of advice to tree surgeons, local authority forestry officers, foresters etc. (SBAP Partnership)
Continue to develop the current training procedures for bat workers and other people whose occupational activities may bring them into contact with bats. (BCT, SBG, SEB)
Adopt and develop management policies outlined in BCTs Bats and Trees leaflet and the Aboricultural Association's Guidance Note 1: Bats. Ensure minimum tree surgery required to meet obligations (e.g. safety) to trees suitable for roosting bats. (BCT, SBG, SEB)
Ensure woodland incentive schemes (e.g. WIGS, and other relevant forestry schemes) and tree management policies (e.g. TPOs) cater for the conservation needs of Noctule bats. (FC, LAs, TNF, FoM)
Liaison with local authorities to ensure the guidelines in PPG9 are followed and considered in local plans and development control. (BCT, SBG, SEB, SWT)
Target developers, planning authorities and other key decision makers regarding the current procedures concerning developments that may affect bats. (BCT, SBG, SEB, SWT)

Management

Ensure that appropriate survey work is carried out for any development proposal that may affect Noctules. (LAs, Developers, EN)
Use bat boxes where appropriate to enhance suitable habitat e.g. coniferous woodland and woodland with few or no mature trees. (SBG, SEB, TNF, FoM, Developers, Landowners)
Consider providing potential hibernacula by converting pillboxes and icehouses on sites. (Landowners)

Monitoring and Research

Continue participation in the National Bat Monitoring Programmes. Increase survey work to identify summer roosts. (SBG, SEB)
Carry out a review of current collection, handling and dissemination of bat distribution and roost data with the aim to improve the current database and access to the data it holds. (SER, SBG, SEB)
Investigate habitat requirements and ecology in Staffordshire to assist in the formulation of management plans and enable appropriate advice. (BCT, SBG, SEB)
Seek to target appropriate habitat for potential roosts using GIS. (SBG, SEB)

Advisory

Increase species awareness for the public and landowners through education, promotion and events. (SBAP Partnership)
Undertake 15 promotional events and walks each year promoting the conservation of Noctule by 2010. (SBG, SEB)
Improve the communication process for people waiting to contact national / local batline and registered bat workers. (SBG, SEB, BCT)

Complementary Plans