Bat Conservation Trust

About the charity

The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) is the only national organisation solely devoted to conserving bats and their habitats in the UK.

 Bats are amazing animals. They’re a hugely important part of our natural environment, and are officially recognised as indicators of a green and healthy environment - so their future is directly linked to our quality of life and the quality of our natural world. There are 17 species of bat in the UK, all of which are protected by law because their numbers have decreased so dramatically.

 BCT’s vision is a world where bats and people can thrive together in harmony. Our four key strategic objectives for a sustainable and diverse bat population are:

• To determine target bat population levels and their habitats;
• To secure and maintain the stated target bat population levels;
• To act as the authoritative voice on bat conservation;
• To win the required level of support to achieve the target numbers of bats.

 BCT works on a number of levels to create a better world for bats, running a diverse range of projects and initiatives that are linked directly to our key objectives. The breadth and depth of our work is driven by our passion for bats, and our vision of bats and people living in harmony.

 BCT’s National Bat Helpline takes over 10,000 calls every year, providing the public with information and advice which directly saves bats’ lives. Bats are fantastic at connecting people to the environment and involving them with their community. BCT’s Welsh, Scottish and UK Bat Officers support a network of more than 100 local bat groups, and work with local community groups to run batty activities and encourage a diverse range of audiences to engage with their environment and natural wildlife.

 BCT keeps track of vulnerable bat populations through our National Bat Monitoring Programme, and also operate training courses for professionals and volunteers, promoting awareness and good practice. As the national voice for bats, we actively promote bat conservation through the media, events, and our wide range of educational publications and resources.

 BCT achieves a great deal with limited resources. This would not be possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of its members, and the sheer volume of conservation work carried out by local bat groups and volunteers across the UK. BCT is working towards a world where bats and people can thrive together, to ensure they are around for future generations to enjoy. Your support will make a significant difference to what we are able to achieve.