Bats account for nearly one-third of all mammal species in the UK and live in a variety of habitats, including both rural and urban areas. They are good indicators of biodiversity, meaning that the presence of bats and the state of bat populations in a certain area is a good indication of a healthy environment. In the UK all 18 bat species only eat insects which they hunt and eat on the wing, so they act as important pest controllers. Elsewhere in the world, they also feed on a variety of fruit, pollen, fish, frogs, blood and sometimes even other bats! Because of this diversity of feeding habits, bats are also important pollinators and seed dispersers of many economically important fruits and plants.

Bat Conservation Trust does a lot of work both on the ground and behind the scenes to make sure bats and their habitats are protected. However, they need your help to keep up their great work!

During the last century, bat populations in the UK suffered severe declines. Things seem to be on the up though, and some species seem to be increasing. They still face a range of threats so every help counts and your donation certainly helps Bat Conservation Trust continues their work.

How do donations help Bat Conservation?

£10 will help a Bat Helpline Officer give advice on how to protect a bat roost to a homeowner, church or school

£25 helps keep the National Bat Helpline available year-round

£50 will help them provide guidelines on building bat boxes into new-builds

Did you know?

The UK has 18 species of bat. The largest bat is smaller than the palm of your hand (when not in flight) and the smallest is around the size of your thumb and weighs the same as a 20p coin.

Bat Conservation Trust’s National Bat Helpline receives around 300 enquiries/week during the busy summer months from members of the public who have found injured and grounded bats, building professionals and householders with bat roost questions

An important date for the calendar

The last full weekend of August is International Bat Night. This is a weekend where several NGO’s and bat enthusiasts around the world celebrate bats, their importance and how amazing they are.

Other ways to get involved

Find your local bat group :

There are over 80 groups of dedicated volunteers that help bat conservation across the country. Each group is different from others, and do different things, might only have a handful of volunteers or a whole army of volunteers. Visit their Bat Groups section of the website to find out more, as well as contact details for Bat Group Officers.

Become a member and Adopt a Bat:

Bat Conservation Trust has a range of memberships from only £2.50 per month; you can even join for life. All members get a subscription to one or both of their magazines which go out three times per ear. Join here.

You can also Adopt a Bat, it’s not a real-life bat but a cute and cuddly brown long-eared bat. It’s a lovely treat for yourself or a wonderful present for a friend or family member. Visit their page for more information.

Address

250 Kennington Lane
London
SE11 5RD