| Type | Conservation charity |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Battersea, London, United Kingdom |
| Key people | Chris Packham, president Julia Hanmer, chief executive |
| Website | http://www.bats.org.uk/ |
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.[1] Its vision is a world where bats and people live in harmony.
BCT’s work is based on four key objectives[2], which are seen as critical to maintaining a sustainable, diverse bat population in the UK:
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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.[2] Users can telephone the helpline directly or submit queries via a form on BCT's website. [3]
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.[4] BCT runs NBMP surveys aimed at beginners as well as experts.
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.
Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Natural England 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.[5]
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 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.
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, 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.[6]