The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) is a British charity dedicated to the conservation of bats and their habitats in the UK. BCT was formed in 1990 and is the only national organisation solely devoted to bats. Its vision is a world where bats and people live in harmony.

BCT’s work is based on four key objectives, which are seen as critical to maintaining a sustainable, diverse bat population in the UK:

• To determine target population levels and associated habitats
• To secure and maintain the stated target bat population levels
• To act as the authoritative voice for bat conservation
• To win the required level of support to achieve the target number of bats.

National Bat Helpline

BCT runs the National Bat Helpline, providing information to anyone needing advice on issues relating to bats. The helpline received almost 10,000 enquiries in 2007/08. Users can telephone the helpline directly or submit queries via a form on BCT's website.

Helpline Opening Hours

• From October-April (non-peak season): Monday-Friday, 9am-5.30pm
• From May-September (peak season): in addition to non-peak season hours, the Out of Hours Helpline, run by volunteers, is available in the evenings and on weekends.

National Bat Monitoring Programme

BCT runs a number of national, annual surveys through a volunteer network to monitor the status of bat species across a range of habitats. These surveys form the National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP) through which changes in bat populations can be tracked. A key use of NBMP data is to help inform which bat species are included on the priority list in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. BCT runs NBMP surveys aimed at beginners as well as experts.

Bechstein's Bat Project

In February 2008, BCT launched the Bechstein's Bat Project, which aims to establish the distribution of Bechstein’s bats and other woodland bat species in England and Wales. The survey protocol is based on methods devised by experts Frank Greenaway and David Hill.

Count Bat

Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund

Heritage Lottery Fund

The Heritage Lottery Fund is a fund established in the United Kingdom under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993. The Fund opened for applications in 1994. It uses money raised through the National Lottery to transform and sustain the UK’s heritage...

 (HLF), Natural England

Natural England

Natural England is the non-departmental public body of the UK government responsible for ensuring that England's natural environment, including its land, flora and fauna, freshwater and marine environments, geology and soils, are protected and improved...

 and the City Bridge Trust, BCT runs the England Count Bat project, which aims to involve a wider spectrum of people in bat conservation, particularly those from under-represented groups.

Bat News

Bat News is BCT's members' magazine. It features news, research updates and in-depth features and is published three times a year.

The Young Bat Worker

The Young Bat Worker is BCT's magazine for Young Batworkers' Club members of BCT. It features bat-themed activities, games, stories, competitions and curriculum guidance for teachers. It is published three times a year.

European Bat Weekend

BCT organises European Bat Weekend, an annual celebration of bats held on the last weekend of August each year, to coincide with European Bat Night

European Bat Night

The European Bat Night is a popular, annual event to draw public awareness to menaced bat populations in Europe. It is hosted by local nature conservation organisations and attracts a number of ecologically interested people, families, and children...

, which is organised by EUROBATS. The aim of European Bat Weekend is to encourage people to see and hear bats in their natural environment by taking part in a range of events organised by local bat groups, wildlife trusts, countryside rangers and other organisations across the country. BCT features European Bat Weekend events on an interactive map on its website.

External links

BCT Website Homepage

Join BCT

UK Bat Species