Developers have been urged to play their part in helping secure the future of Northern Ieland's bat population.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) launched a guide advising developers, planners and other members of the public how they could help fight the decline of the bat which is a European protected species.

Catherine Higgins, Scientific Officer, NIEA, said the 'Bats And Development' booklet was aimed at ensuring the bat population was not adversely affected by construction work.

She said: "All bats and their roosts are protected by law as a response to the rapid decline in numbers during the last century.

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"Development, modern agriculture and public misconceptions have all contributed to this decline. As Northern Ireland's only flying mammal they are one of our great natural pest controllers.

"This booklet aims to provide basic advice and information to developers, planning officers and members of the public that may come across bat issues relating to planning."

The booklet explains the basic biology and ecology of bats and sets out a vision for how bats and people can benefit from each other.

Advice is provided on the likely impacts of unconsidered development on bats. It also proposes measures to protect all bat species from the possible negative consequences of building work, allowing development to continue whilst protecting and conserving bat habitats.

Each species has its own lifestyle and habitat requirements and, as every species of bat is different, the potential impacts can be specific to each one.

(PR/JM)