The Derbyshire Bat Conservation Group

Site last updated 5th July 2008

Eighteen species of bat have been recorded in Britain in recent years, fifteen are indigenous, and eleven of these have been found in Derbyshire.

Only seven species can be considered widespread within the county and Derbyshire's bats have declined in numbers in recent years, and at least one (the Lesser Horseshoe Bat) has not been recorded since before 1900. The decline is due to:

loss of suitable roost sites in hollow trees and buildings
disturbance of natural hibernation sites
reduction of food sources by the use of insect and weed killers in the countryside
loss of trees, hedgerows and other suitable habitats

The Derbyshire Bat Conservation Group is an independent group which is affiliated to the Bat Conservation Trust and works closely with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Members of the group give advice and those who have a Natural England licence can examine roosts and any bats which are present. Membership extends across the county and if needed visits can be arranged.

The group records and maps the distribution of bats and operates a number of bat box schemes.

Members of the group are happy to visit clubs and societies to give talks about bats and to lead walks.

Newsletters and an annual report 'Tragus' are produced which all members receive.

A bat worker comparing two Pipistrelles