We help bats by:

• Operating a dedicated national bat helpline which supports and provides information to people who find bats in their property
• Supporting a network of over 90 voluntary Bat Groups
• Running the National Bat Monitoring Programme - the first programme of its kind to monitor bats on such a large scale
• Actively campaigning for stronger measures for the protection of bats and for effective implementation
• Being at the forefront of bat research, project and survey method development
• Providing education and advice to all that come into contact with bats
• Having a strong membership base including the Young Batworker's Club
• Providing training for beginners and experts
• Being the lead partner for four of the national bat Biodiversity Action Plans
• Having links with similar organisations internationally

The Bat Conservation Trust is supported by the Countryside Council for Wales, English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage, The Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), The Department of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, The People's Trust for Endangered Species, The Esmee Fairbairn Charitable Trust, The Corporation of London's Bridge House Estates Trust Fund, Marshalls and WWF(UK).

 UK Bat Helpline

The Bat Conservation Trust operates a national (UK) helpline for people who have enquiries about bats, ranging from what to do if you find a grounded bat , to the contact details of your nearest bat group.

Helpline No: 020 7627 2629

This operates from 9am to 1pm, 2pm to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday, except for Bank Holidays.

BCT can also supply various information leaflets about bats, and j-peg images of bats.

National Bat Monitoring Programme

tel. 020 7627 5912

This programme is designed to address obligations to conserve bats under European directives and international agreements, in particular the Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe (Bonn Convention) and the EU Habitats and Species Directive. It is expected to provide relevant information about bat numbers which can then be compared with targets outlined in National Biodiversity Action Plans and to provide data of value to broader conservation actions, and to policy development and implementation.

Three principal methods have been applied: observations at summer maternity roost sites, and at winter hibernation sites, together with summer field surveys using bat detectors. Target species in the programme are: greater horseshoe, lesser horseshoe, serotine, noctule, Natterer's, Daubenton's, Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Pipistrellus pygmaeus.

To date over 1,500 people have been recruited to the programme, and of these 851 volunteers have participated in monitoring schemes and contributed data. The volunteer recruitment rate has risen consistently from year-to-year and is still rising. Over 60 training workshops have been delivered. New and renewed recruitment and training initiatives are recommended. If you are interested in volunteering for the NBMP please phone us on the number above.