Celebrating National Bat Appreciation Day 2026
We're taking several practical steps to help bat populations thrive across Guildford and the wider borough.
Recent projects include creating bat roosts at Tyting Farm. This saw the conversion of a small derelict building and provision of an underground bunker. These roosts provide safe shelter throughout the year for species including the:
- soprano pipistrelle,
- common pipistrelle
- and the brown long-eared bat.
The project was delivered by our Parks and Countryside and Assets and Property Services teams, with specialist advice from Surrey Bat Group. The buildings have been carefully adapted to meet bats' specific needs. This ensures they're suitable for decades to come.
The work includes:
- roosting boards and loft space made from bat-friendly materials
- special access points to allow bats to enter and leave safely
- features to maintain the right levels of humidity, temperature and light
- measures to minimise disturbance and allow safe monitoring of bat activity.
The roost forms part of wider habitat restoration work at Tyting Farm. This includes wildflower meadows and woodland areas that provide vital feeding grounds for bats.
Smaller bat boxes installed across the site have been quickly adopted by bats. The hibernaculum provides opportunities for larger groups and in the longer term potential for maternity roosts. While on other sites over 30 bat boxes have been installed and are regularly monitored at Lakeside Nature Reserve.
Julian Higson, Joint Strategic Director of Housing, Communities and Environment at Guildford Borough Council, said:
"National Bat Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to shine a light on the vital role bats play in our local environment. By creating safe places like the new bat roosts at Tyting Farm, we're helping to protect species that are under increasing pressure from habitat loss.
"We're also safeguarding our local environment for future generations. This work reflects our long-term commitment to a greener Guildford for all."
Why bats matter
Bats are a key indicator of a healthy environment. They help to:
- control insect populations,
- limit the impact of pests
- and reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
They also play a vital role in supporting biodiversity by helping to maintain balanced ecosystems.
However, bat populations face increasing pressures from:
- habitat loss,
- changes to land use
- and climate change.
All bat species in the UK are protected, making conservation efforts more important than ever.
Published on: 16 April 2026.