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The North Somerset Bat Survey helps build a clearer picture of bat movement and habitats by collecting data on where species are found. These insights inform local biodiversity work and future conservation efforts.
This project is made possible through a £107,905 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.
This year’s highlights include:
- 80 volunteers took part.
- 119 (1km x 1km) squares were surveyed across North Somerset.
- 17 bat species were identified, including Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, Noctule, Serotine and Leisler’s Bat.
- 1,296,692 classified bat records collected since 2021.
These achievements mark a significant step forward in understanding the diversity and distribution of bats locally. Every record strengthens the evidence base used by ecologists and planners to protect these fascinating creatures and their habitats.
Cllr Annemieke Waite, Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment, North Somerset Council, said: “This year’s bat survey is a fantastic example of how our community can make a tangible difference for nature. The dedication of our volunteers has produced an exceptional dataset that will guide local conservation decisions and help us safeguard biodiversity for years to come. Thank you to everyone who gave their time, your efforts truly matter.”
Helen, one of our volunteers said: “I love being part of the citizen science programme. It’s helped me learn so much more about bats – their numbers, types and ecology. Knowing which bats are in my area is brilliant, and contributing to research that supports their safeguarding is incredibly rewarding.
The programme has even brought me closer to my neighbour as we collected data together, and I’ve been able to involve colleagues at work too. It’s a wonderful way for people to take part in local ecological research and gather valuable data. For me, it’s a real source of happiness in an otherwise gloomy picture about the state of wildlife."
Stuart McLeod, Director for England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “It’s fantastic to see the local community come together to take part in the 2025 North Somerset Bat Survey. This not only helps connect people to the natural heritage on their doorsteps but also provides important insights into bats and their habitats. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are proud to support projects like this that safeguard rare species and support nature’s recovery.”
Bats play a vital role in healthy ecosystems, acting as natural pest controllers and serving as indicators of environmental change. Monitoring bat populations helps track habitat quality and respond to emerging threats, supporting a resilient local environment.
We are inviting participants to share feedback on the data collection process to improve future surveys and make participation even easier. North Somerset Bat Survey - Feedback for 2025 Survey Season – Fill in form
To learn more or to sign up as a volunteer, visit:
🔗 www.batconservationresearchlab.co.uk/north-somerset-bat-survey