Researchers working with conservation groups to support recovery of bats across England
Researchers from Keele University are working with a range of conservation groups to support the recovery of three species of bats across England, all of which are considered among England’s most vulnerable species.
Dr Christian Devenish and Dr Ellie Harrison have received over £300,000 from Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme for their work, which will see them working with conservationists to produce tools and guidelines for planners and landowners, which can be used to help bat species to thrive.
Focusing on three main species, Leisler's, Brown Long-eared and Grey Long-eared bats, the team will study the animals’ roosting behaviours and factors which can affect them, such as the bats’ sensitivity to climate, noise and light levels, and the impact of human activity like pesticide use or nearby construction.
The researchers will use audio recorders and temperature and humidity loggers to assess roosting conditions, as well as predicting suitable areas for the species to expand into.
All three of these species play important ecological roles in the UK, but their habitats have been significantly affected by human activities including new housing developments and changes in land use.
Using these insights, they aim to create a toolkit and a series of evidence-based policies and recommendations to share with planners, landowners, and other stakeholders to ensure that continued development and land management not only prevents further decline in the bat populations but also helps these species to recover.
Dr Christian Devenish, Lecturer in Ecology and Environment who is leading the project from Keele University, said: “This is an exciting opportunity where we can combine results from our research to make a real difference to the fortune of three vulnerable bat species.”
The research is one of 130 projects encompassing 364 threatened species which have received a share of £60 million from Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme, as part of the government's Wild Again: Restoring England's Wildlife initiative.
