Our objectives

BCT’s work has helped deliver one of the UK’s consistent conservation success stories for several bat species. There is much left to do to but we have a solid foundation to build from and we hope you are inspired to support our efforts.

As the authoritative voice for bat conservation we work locally, nationally, across Europe and internationally to meet our objectives, these are to:

Our scientific evidence must support the recovery and resilience of bat populations in the UK. To do this, we need more research to fully understand the current population status of our bat species. Our focus will be on improved monitoring methods and bats' use of urban and woodland habitats. To take account of climate change in particular, we will also work with others to identify threats to bats. We will build a better understanding of how impacts and needs differ by species, and the benefits that bats bring to their habitats and other wildlife they share them with. We will ensure that our research is used to inform positive action for bats.

We work to achieve policy that supports bat species recovery. Emerging laws and policies must reflect the landscape scale and species-specific needs of bats. We work with partners and at all levels of government to support and influence, drawing on our science-based evidence and unique expertise. Maintaining current protections for bats and making sure they are implemented effectively is also a major part of our work

Bat populations need safe roosts and foraging areas, and the ability to keep habitats connected rather than becoming ever more isolated and fragmented. But while protections have improved over the long term, bat habitats are still being lost or degraded because of unsustainable land management and poor development decisions. We work across woodland, built environment and agricultural land to support the best outcomes for bats and people. Listening to and engaging with relevant sectors and targeted conservation projects delivers both immediate and long-term improvement.

Our expert information and proactive training and advice is widely valued and in demand. Enabling others to make the right decisions and act on the ground, we achieve both short-term results and better long-term protection for bats.

Bats have an image problem. As a result some people have misconceptions that lead to decisions that are harmful for bats. Others may feel that the needs of bats and people conflict, and many are simply unaware of bats or the important role they play. So we have two priorities. We want more people taking positive action for bats and fewer people making decisions that are bad for bats. We tackle harmful misconceptions, raise awareness, involve people in appreciating and actively helping bats and share practical solutions. All of this means we need to attract, engage and enthuse the widest range of people we can.

In order to deliver on our core objectives we must be a robust, efficient, reliable and inspiring organisation to work and partner with. Rather than relegate this to behind the scenes, our strategy recognises and supports our ambition across internal areas as diverse as environmental policy and fundraising plans, to equity, diversity and inclusion practices. Our staff and volunteers across the country need reliable IT systems, excellent communications, and clear guidelines and sources of support, to ensure everyone is motivated and well resourced.