Introduction to Bats

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The UK's bat populations have suffered severe declines during the past century, largely due to loss of habitat. In response to this alarming decline, all UK bat species and their roosts became protected by law. Bat enthusiasts quickly started to form local bat groups across the UK, which sparked greater interest in bats and their conservation.

The Bat Conservation Trust was formed in 1990 as an umbrella organisation for the rapidly growing network of bat groups, providing support, training and advice. BCT now acts as the national voice for bat conservation.

BCT is the only national organisation solely devoted to the conservation of bats and their habitats in the UK. Its vision is a world where bats and people live in harmony.

BCT has grown significantly since its formation, and runs a diverse range of projects aimed at conserving our bat populations through:

* Determining target population levels
* Maintaining target population levels
* Acting as the authoritative voice for bat conservation across all areas, including influencing policy and guidance related to bats
* Generating greater support for bats, to help it to fulfil its conservation aims