Read the Bat e-Bulletin

   IN THIS ISSUE:

 * Bat Crime Review

 * Online bat habitats 

 * Wales Bat Conference 

 * National Bat Conference 2011

 * Change of address for BCT London office  

Bats are beginning to emerge from hibernation and can be seen feeding as the weather gets warmer. In bad weather, they may become torpid (cool and inactive) to save energy.

Issue 29, April 2011

Bat Crime Review published

BCT has published a comprehensive review of bat related crime since the start of the BCT Investigations Project in 2003.   In 2010, 301 incidents were reported to BCT, an increase of 45% on 2009 but this still only represents a fraction of the number of incidents that involve bats. The Bat Crime Review outlines the future direction of the Investigations Project and presents where we will focus efforts in combating bat crime.

Explore online bat habitats 

BCT has launched an interactive tool to show the public what makes good features for bats and what to look out for in parks, gardens and green spaces, complete with videos, information and bat sounds. To see it in action visit www.bats.org.uk

Wales Bat Conference 2011 - Call for posters and presentations

1st-3rd July 2011, University of Wales, Trinity St David, Carmarthen

The programme, organised by Tom McOwat, will be finalised shortly but you can be assured of a packed and informative weekend with workshops and presentations. On the evenings of 1st July and 2nd July there will be fieldwork looking at woodlands in the Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire areas focussing on the Myotis species and Barbastelle in support of Wales bat BAPs.  If you would like to display a poster or give a presentation then email Tom peatmcowat@btinternet.com or Steve Lucas, slucas@bats.org.uk ASAP.Bookings will open later this month, see www.bats.org.uk/events for details.

Bookings now open - National Bat Conference 2011!

16-18 September 2011, University of Warwick Early bat discounts and programme details are available at www.bats.org.uk/conference

Change of address for BCT London office

BCT have been lucky enough to find affordable office space with enough room for our expanding team of staff and volunteers just down the road in Vauxhall, London. From 18th April BCT's London office will be based at: 5th floor, Quadrant House, 250 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5RD There will be a mail redirection service so if you have popped anything in the post to us, or have some leaflets with our old address don't worry we should get it.

The Bat Helpline 0845 1300 228 will remain the same and will be running a limited service on 15th April and 18th April.

On 15th April BCT London staff will not have access to their phones, but staff will be contactable by email.  From 18th April staff will have new directline numbers so please contact the Bat Helpline 0845 1300 228 in the meantime.

Please bear with us during this period.