Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to encourage landowners to erect owl and bat boxes on their land; and if he will make a statement.

Established guidance exists on how to help our native bat species including the provision of bat boxes to provide bats with alternative resting places or to encourage bats into areas where there are few existing suitable roost sites. Further guidance can be accessed through the Bat Conservation Trust: www.bats.org.uk.

Wildlife boxes (for bats and certain bird species including barn owls) can also be funded through the Countryside Stewardship scheme on eligible land where it would be beneficial for the species.