Become a volunteer bat roost visitor
Find out what a volunteer bat roost visitor (VBRV) does and how to get trained and licenced to carry out bat roost visits.
Applies to England
The role
Natural England’s volunteer bat roost visitors (VBRVs) visit bat roosts in homes, places of worship and other public buildings to:
- reassure people affected or distressed by bats
- advise on timing and methods for building maintenance and pest control
- reduce the possibility of bats being excluded from their roosts
VBRVs play an important role in bat conservation.
How to become a VBRV
You cannot go on bat roost visits as a VBRV on your own until you’ve got a level 1 survey licence.
To get this you must be trained by a trainer with a VBRV level 2 survey licence.
You must be at least 18 years old to train for a VBRV level 1 survey licence.
Find a trainer
Before registering as a trainee VBRV you must find a registered and licensed trainer who’s willing to train you. Contact your local bat group to find out if they have a trainer available. If they do not, Natural England can try to find you a trainer from neighbouring bat groups.
VBRV trainers will use their experience and judgement to decide if they can train you. They should give you a clear and reasonable explanation for their decision if they do not want to take you on. If you’re not satisfied with their explanation please email batvolunteers@naturalengland.org.uk.
Register as a trainee
When you’ve found a trainer, fill in the expression of interest form to register as a trainee VBRV. Natural England will then email you an induction pack and invite you to a telephone induction.
VBRV training
You’ll need to go on bat roost visits with your trainer and other licenced VBRVs until you’ve got the right knowledge, skills and experience to receive your licence.
You’ll also need to complete health and safety training. You’ll be emailed 4 modules to complete, plus an online test. The modules include:
- asbestos awareness
- risk management
- working at heights
- dealing with aggression and violence
If you’ve already done health and safety training, Natural England may agree that you do not need to do these modules. Email batvolunteers@naturalengland.org.uk to find out if the health and safety training you’ve done meets their requirements.
How long it will take for you to finish your training and get your VBRV licence depends on:
- ability
- previous experience
- how many bat roost visits you’ve completed
You will not receive a licence if you do not reach the level of competence and skill required.
Bat workers’ manual
Read the bat workers’ manual for:
- bat protection law
- guidance on handling and identifying bats
Contact Natural England
Email Natural England at batvolunteers@naturalengland.org.uk for:
- more information about becoming a VBRV
- health and safety advice
Last updated 27 October 2023 + show all updates
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The section on rabies vaccination has been removed. This is because volunteer bat roost visitors no longer need to be vaccinated against rabies.
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Updated guidance on how to find a trainer, register as a trainee and what volunteer bat roost visitor training includes.
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Update to rabies advice
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Updated summary of bat advice service contract.
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First published.