Training For Bat Protection

In the United Kingdom, bats are one of the most protected species in law but they remain vulnerable, with a considerable decline over the last century. 4 of the 11 British mammal species that are red listed as being at imminent risk of national extinction are bats. It is so important that this decline is reversed because bats play an important role in pollinating flowers, spreading seeds and protecting biodiversity. The threats to bats are of such concern that bat protection is a current UK Wildlife Crime Priority.

This project aims to improve the protection of bats through providing free training to the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit and other conservation and enforcement agencies involved in bat protection. The digital training will provide those at the frontline of bat protection with an understanding of how bats are exploited, the types of crime committed against them and how to effectively prosecute those responsible. We believe this is an effective way to reduce, and hopefully stop, the persecution of bats in the UK.

Global Nature Conservation Solutions will design and deliver specific training on bat protection to 800 police officers working under the umbrella of the National Wildlife Crime Unit, eventually making this training freely available to thousands of people involved in bat protection. The project will take place over six months.