British Bat Survey (BBatS)
What is BBatS?
The British bat Survey (BBatS) is a new citizen science survey making use of cutting-edge acoustic technology to increase our understanding of bats across Great Britain.
Following two successful pilots, in 2019 and 2022, in 2023 BCT successfully rolled out a beta version of BBatS on a national scale. BBatS is now fully developed to collect data that will help to contribute to long-term bat population trends across England, Scotland and Wales.
BBatS and Passive Acoustic Monitoring
Passive acoustic monitoring involves deploying sound recorders into the field for a certain length of time to monitor wildlife and their acoustic surroundings. This offers a non-invasive and affordable way to collect large quantities of data and can provide many insights for bat conservation. BBatS will make use of this exciting new technology by providing AudioMoth recorders to volunteers, to increase our understanding of the distribution and occurrence of UK bat species across different landscapes, with specific focus on under-represented habitats, areas and bat species.
How does BBatS work?
You will have a choice of 1km survey squares near to where you live. Select one or more squares that look accessible to you and book your survey kit on the BBatS volunteer portal. Once you have selected your square, you will be given the ideal location within the square to place the AudioMoth recorder any time during the day before sunset. Go back and collect the device after five nights of recording and after a period of two weeks, put the AudioMoth out again in the same spot as before. Record for another five nights before collecting the AudioMoth and returning it to us. Once we have received your kit, we will analyse the recordings to support our understanding of how bat species are faring in the UK, which will feed into policy and conservation decisions.
How can I get involved in BbatS?
BBatS will launch at the end of June and run until the end of July. During this five-week period, you will be able to register for the survey, select your site and book equipment using our volunteer portal.
Stay tuned for more information.
