The Bat Conservation Trust
Who are they?
The Bat Conservation Trust works tirelessly to protect our bat species and break the stigma surrounding these magical yet misunderstood mammals. Plus, thanks to the National Bat Helpline (0345 1300 228) and helpful Advice section of their website, Bat Conservation Trust is available to offer support for bat-related queries.
Ultimately, the Bat Conservation Trust’s vision is to create a world rich in wildlife, where bats and people thrive together.
What do they do?
Owing to the dedication of local bat groups across the UK, Bat Conservation Trust (with 5,000 members!) works with volunteers, scientists, and government on a local and national level.
Here are several of the ways Bat Conservation Trust is taking action to support bats right here in the UK:
- Inspiring everyone to get involved with monitoring local bat populations through the National Bat Monitoring Programme.
- Connecting people through education and engagement projects.
- Offering training courses for anyone interested in developing their skills and knowledge of bats, from volunteers and builders to professional ecologists and tree surgeons.
- Engaging in research about bat species and generating scientific evidence for the benefit of bat conservation.
- Enhancing landscapes on behalf of bats.
- Reducing the level of bat-related crime in the UK via the Wildlife Crime Project.
- Working on collaborative projects and partnerships.
Facts about bats
There are 18 bat species in the UK, they have suffered huge declines in recent history due to loss of habitats. Since they roost in trees, caves, and buildings, unsympathetic building renovations, conversions and new developments can all impact negatively on bats.
Changes in farming have resulted in the use of pesticides and the loss of hedgerows, meaning bats have seen their food supply (insects) dwindle and lost vital foraging habitat.
Numbers are dangerously low in some bat populations, with fewer than 1,000 grey long-eared bats located at just 10 roost sites.
How we’ve helped Bat Conservation Trust
We've donated a total amount of £52,051 to The Bat Conservation Trust so far!
‘Tails’ of UK Wildlife
As part of our total donations amount, we’re delighted to support the Bat Conservation Trust with a £10,000 donation through our epic ‘Tails’ of UK Wildlife campaign!
Our wildlife is worth fighting for, including precious bat species – who are often overlooked due to the unfairly negative reputation forced upon them by film and TV. Through the Rethink Nature partnership, Bat Conservation Trust is involved with innovative nationwide conservation initiations, like Back from the Brink, Farm Wildlife, and Species Champions.
Are you ready to learn how a little can go a long way towards helping UK wildlife? If so, check out articles like creating wildlife-friendly spaces in affordable, accessible ways, gardening for bats, get batty about gardens, and the benefits of hedgerows!
Ron's story
The charity's National Bat Helpline, a project we’ve helped fund in the past, responds to calls from the public who find injured or grounded bats. Calls come in from all over the country to the National Bat Helpline. So, the team puts callers in touch with local bat carers from the Bat Care Network database, who advise on how to keep rescued bats safe until a carer arrives.
This service is vital for saving and maintaining bat numbers, as well as helping many bats survive through the summer months. As bats breed slowly, usually only having one pup a year, it’s important that as many as possible are saved so bat populations can thrive.
Here’s the story of a bat who benefited from the service – a Daubenton’s bat, named Ron...
Ron was found on the doormat of a Blue Cross charity shop in Trowbridge, grounded and listless, with a torn wing membrane. After calling the National Bat Helpline, the lady who found Ron received advice about how to contain him, keep him calm, and ensure he was hydrated until a carer arrived.
Named after his finder’s father, Ron was picked up by Win Quinney, a valued volunteer bat carer, and taken to a vet where he was prescribed antibiotics. He then stayed with his carer and was looked after around the clock until he was fully healed. Ron’s carer also had both indoor and outdoor flight cages, so Ron could practise flying and build up his strength, ready to be released back into the wild.
Four weeks after he was rescued, Ron was taken back to a river near the Blue Cross shop where he was found. Then, on that warm, dry night, Ron was successfully released among other Daubenton’s bats.
How you can help Bat Conservation Trust
- Get involved in bat count surveys, like the Sunset Survey and NightWatch.
- Purchase a bat-themed gift for a loved one.
- Adopt a bat!
- Find a fun way to fundraise for the Bat Conservation Trust.
- Donate to a specific Bat Conservation Trust project.