By finding out which bats are present in our local area, we can help to build a picture of bat populations nationally.
The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) coordinates surveys as part of the National Bat Monitoring Programme. This aims to identify any population declines and assess bat conservation needs and priorities.
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The 2006 National Sunrise and Sunset Survey period is now over.
If you didn't get involved, have a go this year - details soon available
Why everyone should take part in the sunrise survey...
- No fancy equipment needed
- Offers the chance of seeing a truly amazing wildlife phenomenon - bats 'swarming' as they socialise on their way back to their roost.
Do you already know of a roost or have bats roosting in your own house?
- Help bat conservation by counting them (a colony count) as they leave the roost at dusk. Send us your results and also see the BCT website for how to register your survey. It's so easy!
A car survey is a new innovative way to identify bats over large areas of a county.
Surveyors drive a set route with a bat detector and GPS, recording the bats on a mini-disc recorder. The bat calls are analysed and species identified for each area.
