AN appeal has gone out to help protect the habitats of bats and birds in Bolton.

Residents are being warned that it is illegal to disturb or destroy their habitats. Anyone caught interfering with bat roosts or nests containing eggs or chicks faces a £5,000 fine or imprisonment.

Many people are unaware that carrying out work such as clearing development sites, building alterations, re-roofing, timber treatment, pruning and trimming hedges or trees may be illegal if there are nests or roosts.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to prevent birds getting to their nests by blocking up holes in walls. Insp Denise McGowan, police wildlife liaison officer, said: "These laws have implications for anyone involved in the management of buildings and trees. Homeowners often use hosepipes to rid walls and under-roof facias of nests and they should be aware it is an offence to damage nests, eggs or chicks in this way."

"Birds from as far a field as Africa nest in Greater Manchester, and many will return to the same nest year after year.

"Advice on how to prevent act legally and safely over nests and roosts is available from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)."