Long-term data sets for mammals are rare as many projects are MSc or PhD studies lasting at most a few years. VWT has 2 bat projects that research the social interactions, longevity, and occupancy of Bechstein’s and barbastelle bat roosts. We need to increase the number of roosts to study, train staff and volunteers, investigate use of new techniques and collect more data to use to inform conservation plans and provide solutions for conservation for 2 of the most important bat species in Europe.

VWT will continue this vital work and investigate new methods and technology to improve future data collection. We will create and monitor important bat roosts for both species and provide a selection of alternative roosts to understand species preference. Dedicated staff and volunteers will monitor this monthly from Spring to Autumn. We will investigate climatic reasons for roost choice, improving current knowledge and leading to improved understanding and conservation actions.