Bats: apply for a mitigation licence (A13)
Apply for a licence to carry out work that may affect bats, find out if you need to pay and how to report your actions.
Updates to this page
- From:
- Natural England
- Published:
- 6 October 2014
- Last updated:
-
19 December 2025
Show all updates
-
Added a link to a new online application form. Updated the guidance on 'How to apply for a bat mitigation licence or request a change to an existing licence' to reflect the new application process. Added a new 'Change of licensee or named ecologist' form for any users needing to complete those actions. Removed the bats glossary.
-
We have updated the information about when you need to complete a reasoned statement, to include information about public utility works.
-
We have added information about when you need to complete a reasoned statement. Some exemptions now apply for overriding public interest licence applications.
-
Updated the application form for a bat mitigation licence (A13). In the introductory section, updated the telephone number for the Wildlife Licensing team. In Section 15: Licence charges, added to the list of high-risk factors and updated licence costs. Section 16: administration fee updated. Updated the licence modification request form: updated charges, estimated costs and payment instructions. Updated the licence modification request form: updated charges, estimated costs and payment instructions.
-
We've updated the information on how to apply for a bat mitigation licence. Minor updates have been made to revise wording for accuracy on reference requirements and phased developments.
-
We've updated the application form for a bat mitigation licence (A13). Minor updates have been made to Sections 4, 5, 9 and 14, including revised wording for accuracy and an additional question for applications that include phased developments.
-
Updated the licence application form (A13) to be clearer and more accessible. Added the option for the applicant to be a company or organisation. Updated guidance for completing the licence application form. Added a glossary of terms.
-
Updated the licence application form and method statement to reflect that they now cover derogations under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
-
We've replaced the application form and removed the charge screening form as this has now been incorporated into the application form.
-
We've replaced the application form for a bat mitigation licence (A13), the method statement, the work schedule and the licence modification request form.
-
We've replaced the mitigation licence application form (A13).
-
We've updated the application form for a bat mitigation licence (A13).
-
In your application, you must include a certificate that proves the roofing membrane has passed a ‘snagging propensity test’ if you’re using a non-bitumen coated roofing membrane.
-
We've updated the application form for a bat mitigation licence (A13).
-
Added a section on how to use European protected species (EPS) policies to benefit EPS as part of your mitigation licence application.
-
Replaced the licence modification request form with revised version.
-
Replaced the method statement with a revised version.
-
Replaced the 2 existing charge screening forms (for new applications and for modifications) with a single form that covers both requests.
-
Added charge screening form for modifications to a licence. Updated licence modification request form.
-
Added section on 'When you may need to pay', charge screening form and updated application and modification request forms.
-
Method statement template for bats mitigation licence document replaced with updated version.
-
Form A13-a and A13-b are now combined into one form: A13.
-
Added licence application and modification checklists to Detail section.
-
Replaced bat application forms A13-1a and A13-1b with revised versions.
-
Added updated version of the application form.
-
First published.
-
Applies to England
Documents
Method statement for a bat mitigation licence
MS Word Document, 132 KB
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request an accessible format
Work schedule for a bat mitigation licence
MS Word Document, 43 KB
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request an accessible format
Licence modification request form
ODT, 23 KB
This file is in an OpenDocument format
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request an accessible format
Change of licensee or named ecologist form
ODT, 35.5 KB
This file is in an OpenDocument format
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request an accessible format
Details
You need a mitigation licence if your work will have an impact on bats that would otherwise be illegal, such as:
- capturing, killing, disturbing or injuring them (on purpose or by not taking enough care)
- damaging or destroying their breeding or resting places (even accidentally)
- obstructing access to their resting or sheltering places (on purpose or by not taking enough care)
Find out how bats are protected.
Read how to apply for a bat mitigation licence.
Apply for a bat mitigation licence
Get help
If you need help completing the bat mitigation licence application, email EPS.Mitigation@naturalengland.org.uk or telephone 0300 060 3900.