Swansea Bay Stars of the Night, one of the 11 Natur am Byth! Projects, aims to protect the lesser horseshoe bat and build an understanding of how these navigate through built-up areas in Swansea. With most roosting on the Gower and travelling through Swansea and the local area at night, light pollution can have a real impact on these nocturnal species.
With the help of local volunteers, one of the main aims of the project is to undertake passive acoustic monitoring to locate the routes that lesser horseshoe bats are using to fly in and out of the Gower. The results will better inform ways to protect these important routes to ensure bats are able to continue to mix with other populations.
They also aim to work closely with local groups and communities to inspire people to discover and enjoy nature on their doorstep and to become more aware of species like the lesser horseshoe bat. There is a particular aim to reach urban and under-represented communities.
This project is carried out in partnership with Bat Conservation Trust.