Experts Warn Proposed Nature Restoration Fund Could Undo Conservation Progress

On October 20th, 2025, a team of bat researchers led by Patty Briggs expressed grave concerns about the UK government's proposed planning and infrastructure bill, which is set to have its final reading in the House of Lords the following day. The researchers, who have been studying a colony of Nathusius' pipistrelles near Heathrow Airport, believe the new legislation will undo decades of progress in the conservation of protected species.

Under the proposed law, developers would be able to build on protected sites and instead contribute to a nature restoration fund, which would be used to create environmental improvements elsewhere. However, the researchers argue that this "pay-to-destroy system" could be detrimental to local wildlife populations. "If a colony loses the ability to meet up - maybe their wood has been cut down for a building scheme - the colony is fragmented into two groups. Then that small group is not able to generate the heat they need for the babies to grow and develop," explains Patty.

The researchers have noticed a decline in the number of Nathusius' pipistrelles they typically observe in the bat boxes they monitor, further fueling their concerns about the potential impact of the new development laws. "The bat boxes are often used as male mating sites," says Patty. "A male bat will adopt a bat box as his, and anoint the entrance with his scent, then at night he will sing ultrasonically for all the girls who will join him for a party in his box."

The conservationists believe the planning bill will "derail all the good conservation work that this country has been notable for" and are urging the government to reconsider the proposed legislation.