The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT)
The Bat Conservation Trust is a registered British charity (England and Wales charity number 1012361, Scotland SC040116) dedicated to the conservation of bats and their habitats in the UK. BCT was founded in 1990 and is the only national organisation solely devoted to bats. Its vision is a world where bats and people live in harmony. BCT currently has a membership of around 5,600, including individuals, families, teachers and youth workers and corporate businesses. BCT provides support for over 90 bat groups across the UK. http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/local_bat_groups.html
BCT runs the National Bat Helpline, providing information to anyone needing advice on issues relating to bats, and connecting people with local bat carers and volunteers if necessary. The helpline received over 13,000 enquiries in 2013. Users can telephone the helpline directly (on 0845 1300 228) or submit queries via a form on BCT's website.
BCT’s work is based on four key objectives, which are seen as critical to maintaining a sustainable, diverse bat population in the UK:
- To determine target population levels and associated habitats
- To secure and maintain the stated target bat population levels
- To act as the authoritative voice for bat conservation
- To win the required level of support to achieve the target number of bats.
