We want to put straight the misinformation and omissions in a statement made by @NorfolkCC (shown) about their recent bat fiasco, when contractors attempted to dangerously trap Barbastelle bats with highly dependent newborn pups, putting them in danger. IMPORTANT THREAD!

What @NorfolkCC FAIL to say here is that without intervention by a ‘third party’ their contractors would have gone ahead with a survey on 12th July that could have killed recently born Barbastelle bats, & that trapping of this sort in Norfolk should not take place until August.

What @NorfolkCC FAIL to say here is that these observers gathered evidence of poor practice by contractors, who were failing to follow strict COVID 19 protocols for bat trapping. Video evidence shows no intimidation or obstruction.

This still from the video shows the council trap team after sunset, bats were flying and their traps were open and capable of catching bats - no PPE is anywhere to be seen. WHY weren't they ready and kitted-up? REALITY - team caught red handed!

Norfolk County Council and Natural England have been informed of these concerns and others in a letter from law firm Leigh-Day, excerpted here:

What @NorfolkCC asserts below isn’t in doubt, what they FAIL to admit is that bats give birth at different times in different regions, later in Norfolk (early-mid July). Trapping in July, when pups are still vulnerable and dependant, is thus dangerous.

What @NorfolkCC claim here is UNTRUE. Evidence was presented to their project team, to Natural England, and to WSP, which is why licence conditions were changed to prevent them from trapping in July.

If @NorfolkCC had taken a small amount of time to research the matter they might have found the following publication full of relevant information - British Island Bats, Vol. 1, Bat Conservation Trust, 2020. Such as:

They point to a study made in Hertfordshire in 2017 as evidence that such surveys can be carried out safely, but FAIL to reveal that these surveys took place in AUGUST (not JULY) - when barbastelle pups are becoming independent. Herts bats birth earlier! FALSE COMPARISON!

There is a huge difference between carrying out a study on late lactating Barbastelle bats in AUGUST, who birthed in June, and carrying one out on Barbastelle bats with dependent pups in JULY, who birthed in July, as @NorfolkCC know very well.

We would suggest that you consider the above information before coming to your own informed conclusions over what has REALLY happened here. A council of chaos trying to cover its tracks & using tax payers money to do so!