1st July 2015

Due to a legislative change the National Bat Helpline phone number is changing from 0845 1300 228 to 0345 1300 228. The main part of the number is exactly the same; just the prefix has changed. Callers should now dial 0345 1300 228 instead of 0845 1300 228. So, it's just the '8' in '0845' which has changed. Both numbers will be working simultaneously for many months and the service will remain the same.

From 1 July 2015, wherever the '08' number is promoted - print or online - organisations will be required to publish call charges. This would have place a burden on BCT's resources. We decided it was more cost effective to use the '0345' prefix instead. This change takes into account the fact that cost of calling 08 numbers can vary depending on your provider, but 03 numbers cost no more than a national call from any type of phone or provider. Calls to 03 numbers cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number. They must also count towards any inclusive minutes in a phone contract in the same way as 01 and 02 calls. These rules apply to calls from any type of line including mobile, BT, other fixed line or payphone.

The National Bat Helpline is often the first point of contact for many people encountering bats. It receives enquiries from building and planning professionals, householders with bat roost questions, and members of the public who have found injured and grounded bats. As a result, thousands of bats and their roosts are conserved. The helpline dealt with a record 11,107 enquiries last year and organised 1,299 roost visits - both have undoubtedly saved many bats. The Bat Helpline relies on the hard work and dedication of hundreds of volunteers. This includes bat carers who rehabilitate injured bats, roost visitors who help homeowners with bat roosts and volunteers that staff the Out of Hours Helpline in the summer.

Please help us to disseminate the helpline phone number to as wide an audience as possible and help us raise funds towards maintaining this vital service https://www.justgiving.com/Helpline-bat-care-appeal

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