We are delighted that the bats are back!

This recent sonogram of greater horseshoe bat calls, recorded towards the end of April, shows that they have been exploring inside the newly renovated bat roost in West Sussex, which is fantastic news. At that time, the weather was still a little too cold for them to move in for the breeding season, but we are delighted that they have been checking it out in preparation, and we are looking forward to them moving in soon.

Just 18 months ago, in partnership with Sussex Bat Group, we launched an appeal to raise funds to buy a derelict stable block in West Sussex where a pioneering group of greater horseshoe bats with young pups had been discovered…the first significant record of breeding greater horseshoe bats in the southeast of England for more than 100 years.

But the building they were in was due to go on the market for development – so we launched the Sussex Bat Appeal. Not only did our generous supporters help to raise the purchase price within five months, we have also been able to raise further funds towards fixing the roof and walls so that the roost is safe and will continue for future generations.

It is thanks to your donations that these pioneering greater horseshoe bats now have a safe haven to raise their pups and are able to return to their former ranges in the southeast.

THANK YOU!

Thank you again for your wonderful generosity in helping us to raise funds to purchase and renovate the derelict stable for greater horseshoe bats. The appeal has been hugely successful, and we were able to purchase the building and complete the first phase of renovation to make the derelict stable a weatherproof and secure roost.

Although the official Sussex Bat Appeal has now finished, you can still donate through Sussex Bat Group’s Just Giving page to support the creation of the Tony Hutson Hide to commemorate one of Sussex Bat Group’s founders and instigators of the Sussex Bat Appeal – and to continue to support the recovery of the greater horseshoe bat in southeast England.