Join the Great North Somerset Bat Project: help protect local wildlife

North Somerset Council is proud to support the Great North Somerset Bat Project, a collaborative initiative co-ordinated by the University of Bath’s Bat Conservation Research Lab, made possible through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.  

The project aims to gather data to better understand the movement and habitat of local bat populations and how best to support them in decisions about development.  

This is a citizen science project, meaning it depends on local volunteers to help collect important data on bats, including internationally protected species like the greater and lesser horseshoe bats. The data collected feeds into cutting-edge research and conservation planning to protect these incredible nocturnal mammals. 

Cllr Annemieke Waite, Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment at North Somerset Council said, “The council is extremely excited to be involved in the Bat Project for the third year running. The information collected is vital for understanding the species of bats we have in North Somerset. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for residents, primary school children, and local nature groups to engage with wildlife and contribute to valuable conservation work.” 

Dr Emma Stone, from the Bat Conservation Research Lab at the University of Bath said “We are delighted to be able to continue the Great North Somerset Bat Project in collaboration with North Somerset Council. This project is vital to inform sustainable urban planning and development across the county and is breaking new ground in robust monitoring and management of our biodiversity at county level. We are especially pleased this year to be able to reach out to more members of the community and specifically through schools to engage the future generation in active wildlife conservation.” 

 How it works: 

• Choose your patch – select a 1km² area near where you live. 

• Pick up your kit – collect a bat acoustic detector from a local hosting centre. 

• Start surveying – place the detector in your chosen area for six nights to record bat activity. 

• Share your findings – upload your recordings to our online portal and discover which bat species live in your neighbourhood! 

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 It’s simple, fun, and makes a real impact—plus, it's a fantastic way to connect with your local environment. 

To learn more or to sign up as a volunteer, visit: 🔗 www.batconservationresearchlab.co.uk/north-somerset-bat-survey 

 Help protect North Somerset’s bats—one square kilometre at a time.