Bridgnorth bat roosts torn down and burned

The roosting boxes, which are made of wood and roofing felt, were found damaged and charred in a wood near the riverside.

In Britain all bat species and their roosts are legally protected, meaning damaging or destroying a roosting place, even if bats are not occupying the roost at the time, is a serious criminal offence.

Warren Bonnan, who lives locally, was shocked when he discovered the damaged boxes while walking in the area.

He said: "I was horrified about it, it really was a shock to see it. There stands a very good chance that the bats were still in there.

"I can't understand for the life of me why the kids responsible for this think this is fun. They hauled a bat box off the tree, and set it on fire. It's just unbelievable."

Groups

Bat boxes are artificial roosts designed to encourage bats into areas where there are few roosting sites.

According to residents, several groups of youths have been spotted in the area lighting fires until late in the evening. The bat boxes were found near to the abandoned fire pits.

Roosts similar to the ones found in Bridgnorth, can be found all over the county and are regularly monitored by Shropshire Bat Group.

The UK's Bat Conservation Trust has been notified of the damage and has said it will be investigating the case further.

Joe Nunez-Mino of The Bat Conservation Trust said: "I'm really sorry to hear about this case.

"The importance and value of bat boxes will partly depend on what other roost sites are available nearby. Damage, destruction and obstruction of bat roosts are criminal offences and a police matter."

According to the Woodland Trust, there are around 17 different species of bat in the UK. The creatures are especially active at the moment, as they are busy feeding ready for winter hibernation.