The group has 87 regular members who are involved with surveying and monitoring bat populations, giving talks and rescuing injured bats. One hundred new volunteers will be recruited to support the three-year project.

A sudden decline in bat numbers has prompted an increase in research and advancements in survey techniques. Desk research, remote surveys, public bat walks, harp trapping and radio tagging will allow the group to build a county-wide ‘batlas’ to show the distribution of bats. The group is aiming to record data for at least 80% of Nottinghamshire over the course of the project. Information collated by the group will help raise awareness of bat ecosystems and support the work of wildlife agencies.

An outreach programme of talks, handling sessions and walks is also planned. Members of the public will also benefit from first-hand experience of bats through seeing captive bats handled and using bat detecting equipment. The group will also attend events aimed at those involved in land management or agriculture to address any concerns about bats and to raise their profile as an essential part of the ecosystem.