Community of pipistrelle bats spared eviction thanks to diligence - and integrity - of Grimsby tree surgeon

The Scartho ash tree has been lopped only - not felled - to safeguard  a roost of bats 

A SMALL colony of bats has been saved from eviction thanks to the diligence and kind-heartedness of a Grimsby tree surgeon.

North East Lincolnshire Council had given the planning go-ahead for felling of an ailing but protected ash tree on Grimsby Rugby Club's field off Springfield Road in Scartho.

After the removal contract was awarded to Joe Fitzgerald, of Wellowgate-based Grimsby Trees and Branches, he duly arrived with a lift-truck and chainsaw.

But, before setting to his task, he carried out a precautionary inspection of holes and cavities in the tree in case of signs of protected wildlife.

And his search paid off. He discovered not just one but several small bats - probably pipistrelles - that were all in a state of hibernation.

If he had chosen to disregarded his fortuitous find, not only would he have broken the law but the evicted bats would almost certainly have perished of cold and/or  starvation.

Instead Joe, a former infantry soldier in the British Army,  removed enough of the limbs to make the tree safe, then he advised the rugby club - and North East Lincolnshire Council - of what had happened and why it would have been unlawful to proceed.

Since news of the incident broke, Joe, who started the business in 2014, has won deserved plaudits on social media for putting the  welfare of wildlife and conservation before personal profit.

One person posted: "Conservation over quick cash.

"Other contractors would have  just ignored - or 'not seen' - the bats to get the job finished and collect the full bill.

"What Joe did when no one was watching is the true mark of character."

Jane Allen, a partner in the business responded:  "Just doing are job and running a business the way it should be.

"It's not all about the money.

"We have a good reputation for safeguarding wildlife - that is more important than losing that our 10-year reputation.

"We believe passionately in conservation. If we are careless with our wildlife, one day we will find it has all gone."

Enough of the tree has been retained to allow a continuing home for bats and other wildlife

The Grimsby News says: A big thumbs-up to Joe Fitzgerald and the team at Grimsby Trees and Branches, but thumbs down both to the agent who requested felling of the tree and to NELC for approving the application. Between them,  they carried  at least two detailed inspections of the tree. Did they not check for the presence of bats? As a result of their oversight, the pipistrelles - a rapidly-declining species - could have been lost and the law would have been broken. The episode begs the inevitable question: how many bats are losing their lives in North East Lincolnshire every year because the trees in which they hibernate are being felled without prior due diligence?