The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) and Just Lead have collaborated to develop a new roof access tile designed specifically with the needs of roosting bats in mind.
From the precisely scored landing area to the sturdy hood and perfectly sized entry hole, Just Lead’s new bat access tile has been designed to perfectly suit bats that roost in crevices or roof voids.
All 17 species of UK-breeding bats are protected by law due to a decline in their numbers over the past century, with the loss of roosts, foraging habitat and commuting flight lines predominantly responsible.
The tile, suitable for tiled or slated roofs, provides an entry point for crevice roosting bats (such as the Pipistrelle species) under the tiles against the bitumen felt or through a gap in the felt for roof void dwelling species (such as brown long-eared bats). Its base is fabricated from Grade 4 sheet lead flashing and the hood from Grade 6, all to BS EN 12588. It is available to order from Just Lead, with 10% of all sales going to help fund BCT research work.
Joanna Ferguson, built environment manager for the BCT, said: “Many crevice-dwelling bats that use built structures to squeeze through tiny gaps and roost between roof tiles and felt – you’ll get a little cluster squeezed in feeling really safe.
“Species such as the brown long-eared bat like being within a roof space so they will crawl through a tiny hole, fly into a loft and hang at the roof apex. Just Lead’s new access tile is suitable for either type of bat where this is required as part of a roost design. We do recommend the fitting of any access tile is overseen by an ecologist to ensure the correct conservation outcome outcome.”
https://www.bats.org.uk/news/2021/07/new-roost-partnership-partner
