Action for Bats
Bats have declined in numbers dramatically in recent years.
They are a priority for conservation in Wales and the UK and are
protected by both UK and European wildlife law.
They are also a priority species group in the
Vale of Glamorgan LBAP.
In 2002 the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend Bat Group was formed
to help conserve bats in the area. Since its formation, the bat
group has been undertaking many projects that are putting the
actions set out in the LBAP into practice, such as recording,
monitoring and provision of bat boxes.
Examples of projects that the Bat Group is involved in the Vale
include:
- An extensive church survey of over 50 churches in the Vale of
Glamorgan area which has identified a number of new roost
sites.
- 50 bat boxes have been put up at Porthkerry Country Park (see photo). These will
hopefully provide new roost sites for bats and enable the group to
monitor what species and numbers of bats there are in the
area.
- A project is underway at Leckwith Woods to survey for two of
the rarer species of British bat, the Barbastrelle and the
Bechstein's Bats. 50 boxes have been put up in the woods in a
collaborative project between the Vincent Wildlife Trust who
supplied the boxes, the Vale of Glamorgan Council who own the site
and Coed Cymru who advised on locating the boxes.
- Along the Rivers Ely and Thaw, 30 Daubenton Bat boxes have been
installed, funded with grant aid from CCW, to monitor populations
in the area. The Daubenton Bat is often called the water bat as it
has close association with lakes and rivers.
- The Bat Group also help annually with the National Lesser
Horseshoe Bat monitoring programme to monitor the summer breeding
roosts of these bats. The Lesser Horseshoe Bat has seen a dramatic
decline in recent years and is one of our most threatened bat
species.
If you are interested in learning more about bats or helping out
with the Group please contact Steve Pickering, Chair of the Vale Of
Glamorgan and Bridgend Bat Group and licensed bat worker, on 02920
701678 or email SPPickering@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
New members are always welcome!