Embedded Files
The Sussex Bat Group was formed in 1984 to help conserve bats in East and West Sussex. The Group is a registered charity made up of volunteers who share a passion for bats. We are affiliated with the Bat Conservation Trust.
PLEASE NOTE: The Sussex Bat Group does not undertake surveys for commercial purposes or to object to planning applications.
The aims of the Sussex Bat Group are to:
Help conserve bats and their habitat.
Raise awareness of bats and their conservation.
These aims are achieved by:
Recording and monitoring bat populations in Sussex.
Assisting Natural England with roost visits where threats to bats may exist.
Carrying out conservation projects such as bat box schemes, improving roost sites or opening and protecting potential sites.
Organising talks and educational events throughout the year.
Providing a care and rescue service for sick and injured bats, with the back up of permanent bat hospitals.
Producing a regular newsletter - The Belfry
2025 SUSSEX BAT GROUP UPDATE
This year has been full of highlights, with lots of valuable recording, rescue and habitat restoration work happening across the county. We've been excited to support more local community groups in discovering more about their bat populations. See our events page for more details on what we've been up to. It’s been a pleasure to connect with so many people, young and old, who are inspired by bats and the landscapes they depend on.
COULD YOU HELP?
As we look ahead in 2026, we are in real need of new faces to join in with the group's activities. Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, experienced in field ecology, have data management and digital skills, are confident in public engagement, or just keen to learn, there’s a place for you with the Sussex Bat Group. If you’d like to get involved, please reach out.
E-mail us at SussexBatGroupProjects@gmail.com for more information
Thanks to the generosity of many, we have saved a derelict stable for greater horseshoe bats
Sussex Bat Appeal - Help us create a safe haven for horseshoe bats - JustGiving
Roosting greater horseshoe bat
During the last century, greater horseshoe bat numbers fell by over 90% in Britain, by some estimates, and the species became confined to parts of Wales and south-west England. Today, however, there is some much-needed good news. The population is showing signs of recovery, with small colonies now found outside of this core area. This includes one pioneer breeding colony recently discovered in an old stable block in Sussex − a sign of a possible eastward spread. For this reason, it is a site we must protect.
Vincent Wildlife Trust, Sussex Bat Group and others are working hard to safeguard this rare bat species by purchasing and restoring a roost site in Sussex.
As well as monies from the Sussex Bat Group’s own reserves, we’ve received the very generous help of our local bat groups, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire, plus additional, fantastic support from PTES, group members, local ecology companies and Southwood Foundation.
Sussex Bat Appeal, 3-4 Bronsil Courtyard Eastnor, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1EP.
We are very grateful to those of you who have already contributed.
Thank you so much.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse