The Barbastelle is a rare and elusive bat strongly associated with ancient woodland, and it is classified as Near Threatened internationally and Vulnerable in England and Wales.
Declines in the quality of ancient woodland habitat are considered a key threat to the species. Barbastelles are reliant upon a mosaic of diverse habitat types surrounding their woodland roost locations to enable them to forage and commute between sites.
Beyond the Wye Valley, an isolated population in Pembrokeshire appears to be the sole other outpost for breeding of the species in Wales.
The project uses acoustic recording methods, and a citizen science-based approach, to identify woodlands used by maternity colonies, with volunteers recruited from local communities and trained in acoustic survey techniques.
This exciting engagement aspect is combined with modelling techniques to identify key localities for action on the ground, with the aim of improving knowledge of the distribution and status of Barbastelle in Pembrokeshire and ensuring future conservation work is targeted and strategic – as well as raising awareness amongst landowners and managers of the species habitat requirements and conservation needs in Wales.
It looks to develop demonstration sites where appropriate woodland management and habitat enhancement work can be further developed to demonstrate best practice. The profile of Barbastelle is raised amongst local communities in Wales through a range of public engagement activities. The aim is these communities will become actively engaged in Barbastelle conservation, becoming more involved with caring for and understanding the needs of this threatened species.
Work towards this target species is carried out in partnership with Vincent Wildlife Trust.